MARK PETERSON OF SOUTHAMPTON JAILED FOR SEX ABUSE IN GUILDFORD

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Southampton community, Mark Peterson, a 47-year-old former teacher and choirmaster, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of severe sexual offenses committed against young boys over two decades ago. The crimes, which date back to the 1970s, were uncovered during a court hearing at Guildford Crown Court, where Peterson was found guilty on ten counts.

According to court records, Peterson, who resided in Locks Heath, Southampton, exploited his position as a singer in a Surrey choir to carry out his heinous acts. The court heard that he used trips away and music lessons as opportunities to assault the boys, grooming them over time and establishing a false sense of trust. The victims, now adults, have carried the trauma of these experiences for many years, and Judge John Crocker emphasized that their memories remain vivid despite the passage of time.

On the day of sentencing, Peterson, who is married and a father of two, appeared in court to admit to seven counts of downloading indecent images of children. The judge addressed the court, stating that although the offenses occurred decades ago, the impact on the victims persists. Judge Crocker remarked, “In effect, you groomed them, each and every one,” highlighting the manipulative nature of Peterson’s actions.

The prosecution, led by Simon Connolly, revealed that Peterson, who was previously known as Mark Purkiss, targeted boys who were unlikely to report his abuse due to their age and vulnerability. The jury was informed of how Peterson built a rapport with the boys by offering cigarettes and engaging in conversations about girls and sex, further facilitating his predatory behavior.

As part of his sentence, Peterson will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, and the court made it clear that he would never be permitted to work with children again. The case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting effects of grooming and sexual abuse, and the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from predators like Mark Peterson in Southampton and beyond.