Westbury man jailed for child sex offences
Philip Burgess sentenced for multiple sexual offences against children
A 56-year-old man from Westbury has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for committing multiple sexual offences involving children.
Philip Burgess was found guilty of sending sexually explicit messages online to someone he believed to be 14 years old.
After initially being arrested and granted bail for this offence in February 2024, Burgess violated his bail conditions, leading to further arrests.
An interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order was subsequently placed on him.
In November 2025, Burgess was charged with attempted sexual communications with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to meet a child following grooming, and breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
While awaiting sentencing, Burgess faced additional charges for further breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
On Friday, 27th March, Burgess appeared before Swindon Crown Court and received a 57-month imprisonment sentence.
He has been barred from working with children and vulnerable adults, and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.
Detective Constable Daniel Jackson commented, “Burgess has clearly shown his intent to cause sexual harm to children, along with his disregard for any conditions imposed on him, we welcome this custodial sentence by the court.”
Further assistance for victims of sexual abuse is available via the Wiltshire Police website.