A Halesowen man who sexually assaulted a teenager in a van while her cheating mother remained silent has been sentenced to five years in prison. Michael Burgess, 56, of Mayberry Place, Halesowen, covered the van windows with blankets and sheets to conceal his attack on the young girl. After the assault, he forced the victim to promise not to tell anyone—a promise she kept for years. Her married mother, who was having an affair with Burgess, did nothing to stop the assault and later refused to cooperate with police.
Court Proceedings
At Wolverhampton Crown Court, Burgess shook his head and wiped his eyes as details of his crime were read out. Prosecutor Cathlyn Orchard described how the mother and daughter were walking to the shops when Burgess pulled up in his van and told them to get in. The victim felt unsafe but thought she would be safe with her mother present. She sat between Burgess and her mother in the front seat. After some small talk, Burgess covered the windows and sexually assaulted the girl. As she cried, he threatened both her and her mother, warning them not to tell anyone.
Mother's Complicity
The victim's mother did not intervene, fearing it would expose her affair with Burgess. Years later, the victim saw Burgess while shopping and confided in trusted adults, who encouraged her to report the crime. Her mother refused to provide a statement or support the prosecution but claimed she believed her daughter. In his police interview, Burgess admitted the affair but falsely claimed the girl had tried to initiate sexual contact. He maintained this lie at trial.
Impact on Victim
The ordeal left the victim with conflicted feelings toward her mother and caused suicidal thoughts and self-harm. In a victim impact statement, she said: "When I was sexually abused by Burgess, it made me feel very upset. I cried all the way home. It still makes me cry." She struggles to trust men, has difficulty sleeping, and experiences flashbacks. She added: "I still feel very hurt and upset about how it happened and that I could not tell anyone for so long."
Defendant's Background
Burgess has five convictions for 13 previous offenses, including soliciting for prostitution in 2002 and a three-year community order for three counts of sexual assault. His defense lawyer, Callum Church, said Burgess is unwell, suffering from angina and cardiac and pulmonary issues. He was prescribed oxygen in custody but has not received it due to security risks. Burgess claims significant trauma and a difficult background.
Sentencing
Judge Michael Chambers KC noted Burgess deliberately tried to avoid sentencing, attending court and complaining of illness only to be discharged from A&E. He said Burgess poses a high risk of harm to children and known adults. Burgess was jailed for five years on May 22, given a 10-year restraining order, and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
