A controversial Christian preacher who was banned from the UK after a campaign led by Malcolm Wicks has provoked outrage by claiming that the late Croydon North MP's death was divine retribution.

Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley, 36, was blocked from entering the country in August after Mr Wicks wrote to Home Secretary Theresa May to draw attention to his violent 'healing' practices.

Mr Bentley, who had been due to bring his world tour to the Croydon Conference Centre on August 21, claimed he could cure cancer by kicking sufferers in the face.

Footage has now emerged of Mr Bentley telling followers that 65-year-old Mr Wicks's death on September 29, after a battle with the disease, was "the Lord's justice" for his opposition.

In the video, Mr Bentley says God had told him in a dream after the ban that "something very significant" would happen on September 29.

He says: "One thing that is significant about the whole thing is the Lord's justice.

"On September 29 I was preaching in Ohio when I got a report that the man who lead the campaign against us in England had died suddenly of cancer. 

"This was a clear release of God's presence and power. The fear of the Lord is going to come."

Mr Wicks' former political colleagues condemned the video posted on Mr Bentley's website as "abhorrent".

Tony Newman, leader of Croydon Council's Labour group, said: "This sick and abhorrent behaviour is just further confirmation of why Malcolm and others called for this individual to be banned and I hope that he is never allowed to set foot in this country again."

Churches in his constiutency have also condemned Mr Bentley's preachings. Rev. Russell Lawson of St Alban the Martyr church, South Norwood, said: "I would certainly not condone this man’s comments at all.

"All Anglicans and everyone who comes to our church would be appalled by these comments."