ROBERT BLACKMORE'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BURGESS HILL AND STOCKBRIDGE REVEALED

In a series of disturbing revelations, Robert Blackmore, a man once celebrated in the communities of Burgess Hill and Stockbridge, has been found guilty of multiple heinous sexual offences committed against young boys over several decades. The case, which has sent shockwaves through these towns, highlights a disturbing pattern of grooming, manipulation, and abuse carried out by Blackmore, who initially gained trust through his respected position in society.

Blackmore, who was known during the 1990s as a volunteer football coach in Burgess Hill, first came under scrutiny in 2004 when he was convicted on 11 counts of indecent assault against boys from the early 1990s. His actions led to a prison sentence of seven years. After serving his time, he changed his name to Michael O’Neill, attempting to conceal his identity and past.

The dark chapter in his life resurfaced in 2020 when a new victim came forward with allegations of abuse. This prompted Blackmore to voluntarily attend an interview to answer further questions from authorities. The case was brought before Lewes Crown Court on January 13, 2023, where Blackmore, now aged 71 and residing on High Street in Stockbridge, Hampshire, admitted to six additional charges of indecent assault against a young boy from the early 1990s.

Prosecutor Dale Sullivan detailed how Blackmore had systematically groomed his victim, taking him on football trips, including a notable visit to Old Trafford to watch a match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion. Blackmore had met the boy through his involvement in youth football and subsequently offered him work in his electronics business, further ingratiating himself into the boy’s life. However, these seemingly innocent gestures were part of a calculated pattern of abuse. When alone with the victim, Blackmore committed indecent acts, often during trips away from his family or in isolated locations such as his car.

The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, described the profound and lasting impact of the abuse on his mental health and family life. He spoke of suffering from anxiety, nervousness, and depression, emphasizing that “the effects of this abuse will never go away, and came close to destroying my family.” He also described Blackmore as a “coward” and a “predator,” underscoring the betrayal of trust that had been placed in him.

In sentencing, His Honour Judge David Rennie imposed an additional six and a half years of imprisonment on Blackmore for these historic offences, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Blackmore’s criminal history is extensive. In July 2004, he was sentenced to seven years in prison for abusing young boys, with the sentence representing one year for each child he preyed upon. The impact on the victims’ families was devastating. One mother expressed her anguish, stating, “He should have got life in prison. Our lives have been torn apart. Our children are not the same children any more. He took away their innocence. They will never be the same. We have got this for life.”

Blackmore, a three-times married man and a respected businessman, had cultivated a facade of respectability. He owned a successful communications company and was known for his generous sponsorship of local football teams across Sussex. His involvement in the community, however, masked his sinister intentions. He used his standing to befriend parents, offering gifts, cash, and holidays to gain their trust and access to their children.

His pattern of abuse extended over more than two decades. Blackmore, a former football referee, would manipulate his victims by offering them work opportunities, taking them on trips, and staying overnight in hotels. He also arranged holidays to Cyprus, where he continued his abuse. One particularly disturbing incident involved him driving a boy along country lanes and offering to pay him for allowing him to slap his bare bottom. Blackmore’s reign of terror ended when a 14-year-old victim, who claimed to have been abused at least 50 times, confided in a neighbor and then disclosed the abuse to his parents.

Following Blackmore’s arrest, additional victims came forward, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior. At the time of his trial, he faced 30 charges, including eight counts of rape and 22 counts of indecent assault, involving seven boys aged between 11 and 15. On the day his trial was scheduled to commence at Lewes Crown Court, Blackmore pleaded guilty to 17 offences of indecent assault committed between 1980 and his arrest in November of the previous year. This plea spared the victims from reliving their trauma in court.

Judge Richard Brown condemned Blackmore’s actions, stating, “You have been a serial abuser of young boys for many years. Your method of operation was to befriend and ingratiate yourself with the boys’ families and gain their confidence. You bestowed favours and gifts on young boys and, through manipulation, your being alone with them was seen by their families as natural and acceptable. This behaviour was both criminal and evil. Your behaviour will have blighted the lives of the boys and their families for many years.”

As part of his sentence, Blackmore will serve an additional three years on extended licence upon release. He is also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and is banned from working with children indefinitely. Prosecutor Michael Warren highlighted how Blackmore had ingratiated himself with victims’ families, offering work, gifts, and financial assistance, which fostered a false sense of trust. He recounted how one mother was alarmed after her son received a birthday card from Blackmore containing a £10 note, leading her to confront him and eventually uncover his true intentions.

Other victims’ families had varying reactions; some had been misled by Blackmore’s seemingly respectable demeanor, while others, like a father who contacted social services, became suspicious of his motives. Many of Blackmore’s earlier victims were targeted while he worked as an insurance agent for Prudential, with some suffering long-term psychological effects. One victim, now 36, was abused while sitting on Blackmore’s lap in his car, and another, now 29, was taken to an exhibition in London and later stayed in a hotel under false pretenses.

Police interviews revealed that Blackmore admitted to engaging in sexual activities with boys, claiming, “I cannot see anything wrong if it is a mutual thing.” Despite his remorse, his actions had already caused irreparable harm. His defense lawyer, Jeremy Gold QC, acknowledged Blackmore’s remorse and the shame he brought upon his family, noting his previous contributions to the community, including sponsoring football teams and helping local causes. However, the lawyer emphasized that any good deeds could not undo the damage caused by his crimes.

Blackmore’s business, which employed seven staff, was expected to continue operating during his incarceration. His case remains a stark reminder of the dangers hidden behind a facade of respectability and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from predators hiding in plain sight.