MICHAEL BURGESS FROM WYLYE SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN SWINDON

In a case that has spanned over a decade, Michael Burgess, a man residing in Wylye, has been convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of a young girl, with the incidents dating back to approximately ten years ago. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing history of offenses committed by Burgess, who has a criminal record that includes multiple convictions for similar crimes.

Back in 2012, Burgess was sentenced to nine years in prison after admitting to a series of sexual offenses involving two young girls at his caravan in Heywood. His criminal activities did not stop there; the court was informed that, nearly ten years prior, Burgess engaged in sexual acts with a girl who was only 11 or 12 years old at the time. This girl was the daughter of a friend, and the abuse occurred when she was still a child, highlighting the pattern of his predatory behavior.

Following his release from prison, Burgess has been living in Wylye. Recently, he faced a new trial where he was found guilty of the earlier offenses involving the young girl. As a result, he has been sentenced to an additional 13 years in prison. The court clarified that Burgess will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least two-thirds of his sentence, which is standard for such cases. Furthermore, he will be on license for an extra three years after his release, meaning he will be subject to supervision and restrictions during that period.

The victim, now an adult woman in her twenties, bravely provided a statement during the trial, expressing feelings of guilt for not reporting the abuse sooner. She explained that her silence may have prevented other potential victims from suffering similar trauma. She recounted that Burgess visited her home when she was approximately 11 years old and committed the abuse during those visits. She also revealed that Burgess had promised to buy her a pair of boots from a catalogue, but he never fulfilled that promise.

Hannah Squire, the prosecutor, highlighted the lasting impact of Burgess’s actions. In her victim personal statement, the woman described ongoing struggles with mental health, including nightmares, difficulty forming relationships, and issues with trust. She emphasized that even as an adult, she continues to avoid being alone with others, illustrating the deep and enduring scars left by the abuse.

During the trial, Burgess, who resides at Glebe Bungalows in Wylye, pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual intercourse with a child under 13. However, the court found him guilty after a thorough trial. It was also revealed that Burgess had previously been jailed in 2012 for nine years after admitting to abusing two girls and possessing over 1,600 indecent images of children. His past convictions include abusing a 10-year-old girl in 2011 while he was on bail for molesting another girl aged around 14 or 15 in the preceding years.

Judge Tim Mousley QC addressed Burgess during sentencing, acknowledging that he had made some progress but emphasizing the ongoing risk he posed. The judge stated, “You have undoubtedly made significant progress. But I have come to the conclusion, even taking that into account, that you present a significant risk of serious harm in the future.” The court’s decision reflects the severity of Burgess’s crimes and the need to protect the community from further harm.