Man charged with non-recent child sex offences relating to his time as a choirmaster

Detectives from Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation Marmion team have charged a man with non-recent sex offences against children.

Mark Burgess, 66, of St Chads Avenue in Hilsea, was charged on Monday 3 February with 58 counts of offences including buggery, indecent assault, gross indecency with a child, inciting sexual activity with a child, and sexual touching.

The offences relate to 11 children, who were under the age of 16, during Burgess’s time as a choirmaster for All Saints Choir in Portsmouth and Westbourne Choir in Sussex between 1976 and 2009

Mr Burgess was bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 3 March.

We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse to contact police on 101 where you can speak with our specialist detectives in confidence.

Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.