Stewart Burgess, a ‘prolific’ Scottish Cumnock paedophile who used youngsters he was meant to safeguard for ‘years,’ has been incarcerated for a second time following the courageous testimony of another victim on his abuse.
Stewart Burgess, now 72, preyed on boys in the 1980s while serving as a senior house parent at the Redheugh Adolescent Unit in Kilbirnie, Ayrshire, operated by the Salvation Army for at-risk youth.
In 2008, Stewart Burgess was convicted of molesting two adolescent boys under his supervision and sentenced to ten years of incarceration. Subsequent actions were initiated after an additional former student reported misconduct by Burgess at the facility.
In the trial at the High Court in Paisley last month, a jury learnt that the victim, now in his 50s, continues to be traumatised by the abuse that occurred between 1984 and 1985.
Stewart Burgess, from Cumnock, was convicted of abusing this victim in similar ways he had to others. He was sentenced to three and half years in jail at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday April 21.
Detective Inspector Gavin Chisholm of the Ayrshire Public Protection Unit said: “Stewart Burgess is a prolific offender whose abuse of children spanned many years. He abused his position of trust and we welcome today’s sentencing.
“I would like to recognise the bravery of the victim shown in reporting this and assisting us throughout the enquiry and court process which has been pivotal in securing this conviction.
“Investigating abuse of children and young people remains one of Police Scotland’s top priorities. Please be assured that no matter when a crime is committed, we will listen and we will investigate.”
Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Fraser Gibson, said: “Stewart Burgess selfishly and callously abused young boys in his care. The victim in this case bravely came forward to report what happened to him as a child.
“His evidence of crimes which had not been dealt with previously allowed us to prosecute this offender again. I sincerely hope the victim finds some small comfort in holding Stewart Burgess accountable for his actions.
“COPFS prosecutors are committed to pursue justice for victims of child sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the offences occurred.
“I urge any victims of similar crime to have confidence that time is no barrier. Please come forward, report it and seek support.”
Redheugh is one of the institutions being investigated by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, chaired by Lady Smith. The unit closed in 1994.
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