Ex-council boss admits sex attack

Former council leader Maurice Burgess admitted indecent assault

A former Derby City Council leader has been given a nine-month prison sentence suspended for a year for indecently assaulting a seven-year-old boy.

Maurice Burgess, 58, pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to assaulting the boy 23 years ago.

The court heard the former Liberal Democrat councillor had a similar conviction dating back to 1971.

He was leader of the council from 2003 until July 2005 and an Abbey ward councillor until May 2006.

The assault happened on an occasion when the boy had visited Burgess's home to help fold political leaflets.

The court heard Burgess's victim was a regular visitor. His father was a friend of Burgess.

Burgess became leader after Labour lost overall control of the city council and his group formed a coalition with the Conservatives.

Tougher procedures

Just over two years later, Labour regained control.

In October 2005 a police investigation into allegations of indecent assault by Burgess was made public and he was suspended by the Lib Dems.

He continued as an independent member until he stepped down at the May elections.

Under the Local Government Act 1972, candidates at an election do not have to disclose convictions that occurred more than five years previously.

The Liberal Democrats in Derby have now toughened their procedures for selecting candidates.

Current party leader Councillor Hilary Jones said people wishing to stand for the party were required to disclose all previous misdemeanours.