The trial of a man who spent almost three decades on the run is set to get underway.

Richard Burrows will appear at Chester Crown Court on Monday, January 27, accused of sexually abusing dozens of children between 1968 and 1995

The trial, due to last 12 weeks, will see Burrows face more than 90 charges.

These include allegations of buggery, indecent assault, indecency with a child, making indecent images of children and possession of a false identity document with intent.

The charges relate to allegations of abuse reported to have taken place while Burrows worked as a carer at Danesford Children's Home in Congleton between 1969 and 1971.

Offences are also reported to have occurred in the West Midlands and West Mercia areas between 1968 and 1995, with Burrows targeting young boys through local Scouts groups where he worked as a leader.

Burrows was arrested on March 28, 2024, at Heathrow Airport having returned to the UK from Thailand.

He had been wanted by Cheshire Police since December 1997 when he failed to attend Chester Crown Court where he was due to stand trial for two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault.

advertisement

Speaking shortly after his arrest, Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson said: "Our determination to locate Burrows has not faltered over the past 27-years and his arrest marks a significant step forward in this case and the beginning of closure for all those involved.

"I would like to thank the public for the information that they have provided over the years during our search for Burrows and I hope that his arrest provides some reassurance.

"I also hope that his arrest acts as a warning to any other wanted suspects – demonstrating that no matter how long you hide, we will find you and you will be arrested."