ROBERT BLACKMORE'S SHOCKING CRIME SPREE IN BURGESS HILL: PREDATOR'S DECADES OF ABUSE EXPOSED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Burgess Hill, Robert Blackmore, a once-respected businessman, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for a prolonged and heinous pattern of abusing young boys over a span of more than two decades.

Blackmore, a man who appeared to embody the virtues of a successful and generous member of society, used his standing and reputation to manipulate and exploit vulnerable children. His facade of respectability allowed him to befriend the parents of his victims, offering them gifts, financial assistance, and even holidays, all while secretly orchestrating his cycle of abuse.

The criminal activities of Blackmore, a three-times married family man, came to light after a 14-year-old boy, who claimed to have been abused at least 50 times, confided in a neighbor and subsequently told his parents. This revelation prompted the boy’s family to report the matter, leading to Blackmore’s arrest. As news of his detention spread, other victims came forward, revealing the extent of his predatory behavior.

Blackmore, who resided on Shelley Wood in Burgess Hill, faced a total of 30 charges, including eight counts of rape and 22 counts of indecent assault, involving seven boys aged between 11 and 15. However, on the day his trial was scheduled to commence at Lewes Crown Court, the prosecution accepted his guilty pleas to 17 counts of indecent assault committed between 1980 and his arrest in November of the previous year. This plea deal spared the victims from the trauma of reliving their experiences in court.

Judge Richard Brown condemned Blackmore’s actions, describing him as a “serial abuser of young boys for many years.” The judge detailed how Blackmore exploited his social standing to gain the trust of families, offering favors and gifts to facilitate his access to the children. His method involved befriending the boys’ families, gaining their confidence, and then manipulating the situation to be alone with the children, often under the guise of offering work or sponsorship.

Blackmore’s background as a former football referee and his sponsorship of local football teams across Sussex painted a picture of a community figure who was deeply embedded in local life. He would take boys on trips, including holidays to Cyprus, where he committed some of his most egregious acts of abuse. One particularly disturbing incident involved Blackmore driving along country lanes and offering cash to boys in exchange for allowing him to slap their bare bottoms.

His criminal conduct was finally halted when a young victim, now 14, who had been subjected to abuse at least 50 times, confided in a neighbor and then his parents. This led to Blackmore’s arrest and subsequent charges. During police interviews, Blackmore admitted to engaging in sexual behavior with boys, claiming he saw nothing wrong if it was mutual. He also expressed feelings of remorse but admitted he felt unable to seek help due to fear of legal repercussions.

Throughout the investigation, it emerged that Blackmore had used his influence to befriend the families of his victims. For example, one mother recounted how her son received a birthday card from Blackmore containing a £10 note. When she confronted him, Blackmore initially denied knowing the boy but later admitted the relationship. The family then became friendly with Blackmore, who offered work and financial help, further entrenching their trust.

Another parent, suspicious of Blackmore’s intentions, contacted social services, but the mother of the child reassured officials that Blackmore was a decent man. Many of the older cases involved boys whose parents had met Blackmore while he was working as an insurance agent for Prudential. One victim, now 36, who was abused while sitting on Blackmore’s lap in his car, has since suffered from mental health issues. Another, now 29, was taken to an exhibition in London and later stayed in hotels with Blackmore under false pretenses.

Blackmore’s defense team, led by Jeremy Gold QC, argued that Blackmore felt remorse and that his actions had brought shame upon his family and community. They highlighted his previous contributions, including generous sponsorship of local football clubs and financial support to individuals in need. Despite this, the court made it clear that his actions had caused irreparable harm to his victims and their families.

As part of his sentence, Blackmore will serve an additional three years on extended license after his release. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life and is permanently banned from working with children. The court emphasized the severity of his crimes and the betrayal of trust involved, condemning his long-standing pattern of abuse that has left a lasting scar on the community of Burgess Hill.