Detective Inspector who brought prolific sex offender to justice speaks outside court after sentencing
The detective who helped bring a prolific sex offender to justice has praised the courage shown by the victims.
Richard Burrows was sentenced to 46 years in prison on Wednesday (April 30) after being convicted of 97 offences.
Many of these relate to the systematic abuse of 24 young boys in Cheshire, West Mercia and the Midlands between 1968 and 1995.
Following his initial arrest in 1997, Burrows fled to Thailand using a false identity where he lived 'in paradise' before attempting to return to the UK in 2023..
Speaking after the sentencing at Chester Crown Court, Detective Inspector Eli Atkinson, who led the investigation, said: "Firstly, I want to recognise the bravery and courage shown by all the victims in this case. Without their testimony, support and patience, we would not have been able to reach this point.
"Burrows is a coward, he knew he was guilty in 1997, but rather than face the consequences of his actions, he fled the country after fraudulently obtaining a passport using the identity of an unwell man.
"He spent the last 27 years, in his own words, 'living in paradise'. It is clear that he did not spare a thought for his victims, who were trying to live their lives under the shadow of the abuse they had suffered.
"It is my belief that Burrows hoped, on his return to the UK after so many years, that his offending might have been forgotten about.
"However, his victims could not forget what he did to them, it has affected every aspect of their lives long into adulthood, and Cheshire Police did not forget what he had done."
On the trial, she said: "Whilst he pleaded guilty to a large number of offences on his return to the UK, he refused to accept responsibility for some of his most serious offending, forcing his victims to go through the traumatic process of giving evidence at trial.
"He tried to convince the Jury that he wasn't a 'bad' paedophile and that he only did things that his victims wanted him to do.
"He showed no remorse and no understanding of the trauma he has caused so many people. He abused the trust of children in his care as both House Master and Scout Leader in the very worst of ways, targeting vulnerable boys for his own sexual gratification.
"Four of his victims passed away before he was brought to justice. Although their cases were included in the trial and he was found guilty of their abuse, he denied them the opportunity of seeing this happen."
DI Atkinson continued: "The sentence handed to Burrows today will likely see Burrows spend the rest of his life in prison and I hope that this outcome finally provides the victims with some closure.
"I also hope that this case acts as a warning to any other wanted suspects out there – we will find you and you will be held accountable for your actions.
"Following the sentencing of Burrows, I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences to come forward, no matter how long ago the abuse took place. There is support available and you will be believed and listened to."
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