Former Scouts leader Richard Burrows finally convicted after evading capture for 27 years
A former Scout leader and boarding school housemaster who fled police by stealing an unwell man’s identity has been convicted of nearly 100 offences, including dozens of child sexual abuse.
Prolific abuser Richard Burrows, 80, systematically targeted and abused boys over three decades, Chester Crown Court heard.
Burrows was first arrested in 1997 and charged with child sexual offences, but instead of facing justice, he fled the UK, assuming the false identity of an innocent, unwell man, and living abroad for 27 years.
While he told his family he had returned to “face his accusers and his maker”, police believe the real reason was far more cynical and he had simply run out of money.
During his trial, Burrows admitted to being a paedophile but denied the most serious allegations, describing them as “degrading and disgusting”. The jury rejected his denials, convicting him of all 54 offences he had contested. Combined with his previous guilty pleas to 43 charges, Burrows is now confirmed as one of the UK’s most prolific child sex offenders.
Police believe there may be more survivors who have not yet come forward. Given the length of time Burrows offended and the positions of trust he held, it is likely many suffered in silence.
Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson of Cheshire Police acknowledged the difficulty survivors face in reporting abuse but urged anyone affected to seek support, saying: “Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to.
“They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity for life.”
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we know speaking out about childhood abuse can be incredibly difficult, especially when the perpetrator held a position of authority. However, this case shows that justice is still possible, even decades later.
As well as seeking justice through the criminal process, survivors can also pursue compensation through the civil process for the harm caused to them by the abuse. I am a solicitor specialised in abuse, acting for one of Burrows’ survivors. Please contact me directly for free, no obligation advice about your rights.
