GEORGE MOORE FROM STOWMARKET SUES EMPLOYER AFTER SEX OFFENDER CONVICTION

In July 2005, a disturbing case unfolded involving Geoffrey Moore, a resident of Stowmarket, who became the center of a contentious employment dispute following his criminal conviction for child sexual abuse. Moore, aged 65, was convicted of multiple serious offences related to the abuse of a four-year-old girl, which led to his sentencing and subsequent legal actions against his former employer.

Moore was found guilty of five counts of indecency with a minor and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. His conviction came after a court hearing in which he admitted to these charges. As a result, he was sentenced in May to a three-year community rehabilitation order, placed on the sex offenders' register for five years, and permanently barred from working with children. Despite the severity of his crimes, Moore avoided imprisonment, a decision that drew mixed reactions from the public and various organizations.

Following his conviction, Moore’s employment status became a matter of public debate. He was employed by Kevin Mayhew Publishers, a company based in Buxhall, Suffolk, known for producing hymn books and religious music. The day after his sentencing, Moore was dismissed from his position as a music setter, a role that paid approximately £12,000 annually. Moore’s dismissal was based on the company's stance that his criminal record was incompatible with their values and policies.

However, Moore, who is married and has two children, responded by filing a claim of unfair dismissal with an employment tribunal. He is seeking compensation of £2,000, arguing that his termination was unjustified. His legal action has sparked criticism from various quarters, with some viewing his attempt to claim compensation as morally questionable given the nature of his crimes.

Kevin Mayhew, the managing director of the publishing company, expressed his outrage at Moore’s legal move. He stated, “It beggars belief that he has the cheek to try and claim compensation after what he did to this little girl.” Mayhew also explained that when Moore was initially arrested in November, the company chose to allow him to retain his job, citing concerns for his family and the principles of their Christian organization. He added, “As a Christian organization, we did not think it would be fair on his wife or children to dismiss him.”

Mayhew further clarified that Moore had agreed to resign if he was sent to jail, but after the details of his offences became public, the company decided to dismiss him. The case continues to attract media attention and public scrutiny, raising questions about employment rights, moral responsibilities, and the appropriate response to individuals with criminal convictions involving children.