Former Scout Leader Convicted of Child Sex Offences After 27 Years in Hiding
Richard Burrows, 80, was convicted of 97 child sex offences after evading justice in Thailand for nearly 30 years. His abuse occurred between the late 1960s and mid-1990s while he served as a housemaster and scout leader. Arrested in March 2023, he admitted to 43 charges and denied others, with sentencing scheduled for April 7.
Richard Burrows, an 80-year-old former housemaster and scout leader, has been convicted of nearly 100 child sex offences after evading justice for nearly 30 years in Thailand. He abused boys between the late 1960s and mid-1990s while at a school in Cheshire and later as a scout leader in the West Midlands. Burrows fled to Thailand shortly before a scheduled court appearance in 1997, living under an assumed identity until his return to the UK last year.
Burrows was arrested on March 28, 2023, upon returning to the UK due to financial difficulties. He faced charges totaling 105, admitting to 43 but denying others. A Chester crown court jury found him guilty of 54 counts, which included indecency with a child and indecent assault, culminating in a total of 97 offences. Sentencing is scheduled for April 7.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Burrows exploited his positions of trust to sexually abuse young boys. Mark Connor KC, prosecuting, stated he “breached” the trust placed in him to satisfy his sexual urges. Burrows admitted to being a paedophile during his trial but refuted more severe allegations, labeling them as “degrading and disgusting.”
Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson of Cheshire Constabulary referred to Burrows as a “prolific sex offender” lacking any remorse for his actions. Burrows had supposedly lived under the guise of a dying acquaintance, Peter Smith, during his time in Thailand. He remarked in an email to the police about enjoying “living in paradise” while on the run.
The investigation utilized facial recognition technology to locate Burrows in Chalong, Phuket. It is unfortunate that four of his victims have passed away without seeing justice served. Prosecutor Samantha Thompson condemned Burrows for his actions, noting that many victims suffered in silence, unable to report the abuse due to fears of disbelief and dismissal. Burrows attributed his flight to Thailand to a belief that he was innocent of many charges, asserting that he opted to return to the UK only after depleting his funds.
In conclusion, Richard Burrows’ conviction after nearly three decades on the run highlights the long-lasting impact of child abuse and the complexities involved in bringing perpetrators to justice. The abuse affected numerous young boys, some of whom never had the opportunity to see justice served. As he awaits sentencing, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for support for survivors of such heinous crimes.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
