In 2021, Mark Burgess, THEN a 68-year-old former choirmaster and school teacher from Hilsea, Portsmouth, was found guilty of 48 sexual offences committed against 13 children over 30 years.
Mark Burgess, of Hilsea, Portsmouth, was convicted by a jury at Portsmouth Crown Court following a 12-week trial. The court heard that between 1976 and 2009, Burgess abused 13 children under the age of 16 while serving as a school teacher and choirmaster for the All Saints church choir in Portsmouth and the Westbourne choir in Sussex. The offences took place during piano lessons, in church vestries, inside his vehicle, and in school music rooms, with victims reporting that Burgess supplied them with alcohol and cigarettes before the abuse. Following investigations by Hampshire Constabulary after victims came forward, Burgess was convicted of 26 counts of indecent assault, 15 counts of gross indecency with a child, four counts of buggery, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of attempted indecent assault.
Judge William Ashworth remanded Burgess into custody to await sentencing on 30 June 2021, warning him to expect a lengthy custodial sentence.
Following his convictions for child sexual abuse, Burgess was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and made subject to public protection notification requirements.
He also remains subject to statutory risk management protocols, licence conditions, and supervision by law enforcement in the event of any potential release.
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