Choirmaster Charged Over 73 Child Sex Offences
Mark Burgess, from St Chads Avenue in Hilsea, now faces a staggering 73 charges of child sexual abuse. Originally hit with 58 counts in February, new allegations have pushed the total up by 15 more offences.
Abuse Spanning Decades at Church Choirs
The offences involve 13 victims under 16, dating back to Burgess’s time as choirmaster for the All Saints Church choir in portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth and the Westbourne Choir in Sussex. The abuse is said to have happened between 1975 and 2009.
Police Call for More Victims to Come Forward
Burgess has been bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on 23 July. Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation Marmion detectives urge anyone affected to speak up. You can contact police confidentially on 101.
If you need help, call Childline on 0800 11 11. Adults worried about a child can ring the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.
