BRISTOL AND WEYMOUTH SEX OFFENDERS JOSEPH DEVOTEE AND HERBERT BURROWES FACE JUSTICE

In December 2012, two men accused of serious child sexual offenses were brought before Bristol Crown Court, where they faced the possibility of lengthy prison sentences. The first defendant, Joseph Devotee, a former owner of a joke shop located on Christmas Steps in Bristol, vehemently denied allegations of engaging in indecency with a child on five separate occasions, as well as two other serious sexual assaults involving two different complainants. Throughout the trial, Devotee maintained his innocence, asserting to the jury that he did not commit any of the alleged offenses either at his shop or at his residence in Ashley Down Road, Bristol.

Meanwhile, Herbert Burrowes, a 59-year-old known in the entertainment scene as Sapphire or Patrick Mclean, and residing on Barclay Road in Bishopston, also faced serious charges. He was accused of indecency with a child and a severe sexual assault on a young boy. Burrowes, who is also known for his female impersonator performances, denied all allegations against him.

During the proceedings, Judge Carol Hagen instructed the jury to return a not guilty verdict on one of the indecency charges faced by Devotee, who is now 80 years old and living in Weymouth, Dorset. Despite this, the jury found both men guilty of all remaining charges. The verdict in Burrowes’ case was reached by a majority of ten to two.

Following the verdicts, both men were granted bail and will await sentencing, which is scheduled to take place in the New Year. The case has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the locations involved, highlighting ongoing concerns about child safety and the importance of justice in such cases.