Bury man jailed for sex offences against children

A man from Bury St Edmunds has been jailed after committing a series of sexual offences against children.

Martin Hogg, aged 73 and of Worcester Close in Bury St Edmunds was sentenced on Monday 17 November at Cambridge Crown Court to nine years imprisonment.

It follows his guilty plea at an earlier hearing at Ipswich Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to three offences relating to child sex offences that took place between 31 August 2024 and 15 February 2025. These were sexual communications with a child, cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and cause or incite a child to watch a sexual activity. These all took place against a single victim.

On Thursday 22 May at Cambridge Crown court, Hogg pleaded guilty to a further 18 offences that took place between the same dates and included multiple offences of meeting a child following sexual grooming, cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child and sexual communication with a child against seven further victims who were all children. Following on from this, another child victim was identified and a further three sexual offences were taken into consideration after an acceptance of guilt from the defendant.

Hogg was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Nick Parkinson-Hill, the investigating officer on the case, said: “The crimes committed by Hogg against the nine young victims in relation to grooming offences and sexual activity children were truly awful. The impact this has had on the victims and their families has been hard to accept and the impact the offences continue to have on them is truly upsetting. I hope the sentencing of Hogg has started the journey to recovery for all involved.”

“I hope the outcome of this case reassures members of the public that we take such allegations of predatory behaviour extremely seriously and we work to safeguard victims as quickly as possible. We are committed to fully investigating any allegation of sexual assault, recent or historic and will provide the highest level of support and care to any victim whilst a thorough investigation is carried out, so if you believe you have been the victim as well, we would ask that you come forward and tell us.”

“We want to encourage victims of any sexual assault to continue to speak to us and feel confident in accessing the specialist support they need. Any allegation will be fully investigated and we have dedicated specially trained officers who work with the victims of rape and sexual assault. The diligent response to this case by the safeguarding unit, indecent images team and proactive teams has stopped any chance of this dangerous male re-offending”

“I want to commend all of the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forward and working with us throughout the investigative process. I hope that their bravery in coming forward gives others the confidence to do the same and Hogg’s guilty pleas has saved the victims from having to give evidence in court which is a blessing.

“However, whilst this sentence will provide the victim with some closure, understandably, what Hogg did to them will have impacted them significantly. If you have been directly affected by this case please quote Op Steadham25 in any reports to us.”

To report being a victim or for support and advice please use this link:

Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Suffolk Constabulary

Anyone who would like to speak to someone in confidence about sexual abuse or violence can contact Suffolk police on 101, or staff at the Suffolk SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre), The Ferns, on 0330 223 0099 or via email contact@theferns-suffolk.org.uk

Survivors In Transition | Support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse - Specialist support in Suffolk for female and male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, violence and exploitation

Here To Help | Brave Futures - provides a therapeutic service for children and young people up to 21 years who have reported being sexually abused and to offer support for their families.

Link to Suffolk Police website – picture of Martin Hogg