Robert Michael Blackmore

Robert Michael Blackmore, known in the 1990s as Mike Blackmore, was a volunteer football coach in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, during the early 1990s. He has a history of sexual offences against young boys, having been convicted in 2004 of 11 counts of indecent assault on boys from that period, for which he received a seven-year prison sentence. Following his release, Blackmore changed his name to Michael O’Neill in an apparent attempt to distance himself from his past.

In 2020, a new victim came forward with allegations of abuse from the early 1990s, prompting a voluntary interview with Blackmore. The investigation was led by Detective Constable Chris Smith from the Complex Abuse Unit. Blackmore, then aged 71 and residing in Stockbridge, Hampshire, was subsequently charged with further offences. On 13 January 2023, at Lewes Crown Court, he admitted to six additional charges of indecent assault on a boy.

Prosecutor Dale Sullivan detailed how Blackmore groomed the victim, whom he met through youth football activities. Blackmore built trust by offering the boy opportunities such as work in his electronics business and trips away from the family, including a visit to Old Trafford for a Manchester United versus Brighton and Hove Albion match. However, during these isolated encounters—such as in his car at remote locations or on trips—he indecently assaulted the victim. The court heard from the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, about the profound and lasting impact of the abuse. 'The effects of this abuse will never go away, and came close to destroying my family,' the victim stated, describing ongoing trauma, anxiety, nervousness, and depression. He referred to Blackmore as a 'coward' and a 'predator'.

His Honour Judge David Rennie sentenced Blackmore to an additional six and a half years in prison for these historic offences. DC Chris Smith commented on the case, stating: 'This case demonstrates the lifelong impact that sexual abuse has on victims. Blackmore ingratiated himself with boys' families to earn their trust, then abused that trust by committing these crimes. The victim showed enormous courage to come forward and report his experiences.' The investigation underscores the commitment of Sussex Police to thoroughly pursuing reports of sexual offences, ensuring victims receive justice.