ANGUS BURGOYNE: ELHAM AND MELBURY OSMOND PAEDOPHILE CONVICTED OF CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Elham and Melbury Osmond, Angus Burgoyne, a man previously known for his involvement in local Conservative circles and his profession as a bespoke tailor, has been found guilty of heinous child sex offenses. The 41-year-old father of two, who once served as a branch chairman for the Folkestone and Hythe Conservative Association, faced a jury at Canterbury Crown Court and was convicted of multiple charges related to child sexual abuse and possession of indecent images.

During the trial, it was revealed that Burgoyne had engaged in disturbing online activities, posing under the alias ‘James Beevers’ to exchange perverted fantasies involving children. Evidence presented in court showed that he had downloaded over 1,500 images depicting children in various sexual contexts, some involving sadistic acts. The police investigation, which commenced after his arrest in 2012, uncovered these illicit files on his computer, along with a secondary online profile named ‘Matthew Keeping’ created in August of that year.

Prosecutor Simon Taylor described Burgoyne as “a brazen liar” and a “pervert” who had molested children before his arrest. The court heard that Burgoyne had taken advantage of opportunities when alone with his young victims, including both boys and girls, and had even taken a photograph of a child in a sexual pose. Although he claimed that the photograph was not indecent and was taken “for his own sexual gratification,” the jury was convinced of his guilt in multiple sex assault charges.

In a significant development during the proceedings, Burgoyne admitted to a probation officer that he harbored sexual interests in pre-pubescent children, contradicting his earlier denials. Judge Heather Norton, presiding over the case, sentenced him to 12 years in prison, emphasizing the damage caused to his victims. She stated that Burgoyne’s denial of the offenses had caused one of his young victims to relive her trauma through nightmares and fear, adding, “Now I am told you have admitted having a sexual interest in pre-pubescent children and in fact you did sexually abuse your two victims.”

Further details revealed that Burgoyne had planned his offenses meticulously, taking advantage of moments when he was alone with his victims. The court also heard that he had offered to send “kiddy pix” in an online chat with someone he believed was a child, highlighting his distorted thinking and lack of remorse. Judge Norton expressed her concern that Burgoyne showed little insight into his actions and posed a serious risk to the public, especially to children.

During the sentencing, Burgoyne’s defense attorney, Charles Bott QC, acknowledged the devastating impact of his conviction, noting that Burgoyne had lost his reputable business, his contact with his children, and many friends. He also apologized on behalf of his client to all those affected by his actions.

In summary, the case of Angus Burgoyne underscores the dangers posed by individuals who hide dark secrets behind seemingly respectable facades. His crimes, committed in the quiet communities of Elham and Melbury Osmond, have left a lasting scar on his victims and serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children.