GEORGE MOORE FROM BURY ST EDMUNDS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN CHELMSFORD AND IPSWICH

In a case that has shocked the local community of Bury St Edmunds and the wider region, Geoffrey Moore, a 74-year-old former diplomat associated with the Foreign Office, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous child sex offences committed decades ago. The crimes, which spanned from the late 1960s to the late 1970s, involved the sexual abuse of three young girls under the pretense of offering them help with their piano lessons.

Moore, who resided at Abbots Gate in Bury St Edmunds, was brought to justice after one of his victims, now an adult woman, confronted him about the historic abuse. This confrontation prompted a police investigation that uncovered disturbing details of his past misconduct. The victim, who was between four and 13 years old at the time of the offences, revealed that the abuse had caused her profound anguish for over 30 years. She expressed her relief at finally seeing justice served, stating, “Hearing high profile cases on the news has shown me you can do something about it.”

During the proceedings at Chelmsford Crown Court, Geoffrey Moore pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child. The offences took place over a ten-year period, from February 25, 1968, to November 20, 1978. Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC described Moore’s actions as a “shocking breach of trust,” emphasizing that Moore was not only a family friend but also someone trusted by the children’s parents. The judge further ordered Moore to remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely, highlighting the severe psychological harm inflicted upon the victims. One of the victims, now in her 50s, provided a poignant account of the lasting impact of Moore’s abuse.

Prosecutor Charlotte Davidson detailed the case of the eldest victim, who had recently undergone counseling. She had obtained Moore’s phone number from her parents and arranged to meet him in Covent Garden. During their meeting, Moore arrived with his solicitor, and the victim handed him a letter. Moore, in a moment of apparent remorse, told her, “I am very sorry, it happened to me as a child.” The victim recounted that Moore had been playing the piano at a gathering in his home in Enfield when he fondled her breasts under her polo top while ‘playing with one hand’.

Another victim, who was only four or five years old at the time, described how Moore had committed offences over a two-year period at his family home in Loughton. She revealed that the first incidents occurred in her bedroom while her mother was hanging out the washing. A second victim also recounted being touched by Moore at the same house, and another offence took place when she was in his car.

It was also revealed that Moore had a prior conviction in 2005, when Ipswich Crown Court sentenced him to a three-year community order for similar offences committed in his back garden involving a girl approximately five years old, more than 20 years after the initial incidents.

In mitigation, Moore’s defense lawyer, David Stewart, stated that his client had shown remorse and had embraced the gravity of his actions. He emphasized that Moore was not claiming provocation and expressed genuine regret, asserting, “He has made the most dreadful and appalling mistakes of his life.”

Moore’s background includes a career as a civil servant, working in various government departments such as the Foreign Office, Customs and Excise, and more recently the Department of Trade. Mr. Stewart concluded by saying, “He has embraced the spirit of the allegations. There are no claims of provocation nor nitpicking. He is not blaming anyone else and has genuine remorse.”

Following the sentencing, Moore read a statement to the court, expressing his profound regret and remorse. He stated, “I was mortified to discover harm had been done. I regrettably cannot undo the past. I have profound regret and wish my heartfelt apologies.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Bury St Edmunds and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of justice for victims of childhood abuse.