British pedophile’s 27-year run in Thailand ends (video)
A notorious British paedophile, who evaded capture for nearly three decades by living under a stolen identity in Thailand, has finally been brought to justice.
Richard Burrows, faced Chester Crown Court and was found guilty of a staggering 54 offences against young boys, marking the end of one of the UK’s longest-running manhunts.
The shocking extent of Burrows’ crimes was detailed in court yesterday, Monday, March 17. Charges ranged from indecent assault and the creation and possession of indecent images of children to serious sexual offences, reported the Liverpool Echo.
The 80 year old degenerate, currently held at HMP Altcourse, had already admitted to 43 charges at a previous hearing, including possessing indecent images of children and falsifying identity documents to evade law enforcement.
He now awaits sentencing for 97 offences on Monday, April 7, an end to the criminal escapade that left countless lives in turmoil.
From 1968 to 1995, Burrows preyed on 26 young boys across Cheshire, West Midlands, and West Mercia.
Exploiting his roles as a housemaster at a children’s home and a scout leader, he ingratiated himself with his victims by leveraging their hobbies, such as radio communications and boating. Once trust was cultivated, he would subject them to horrific abuse.
Many victims attempted to speak out, but years passed before they felt their voices would be heard. It wasn’t until the 1990s, in the wake of similar abuse scandals, that they found the courage to come forward, spurring a comprehensive investigation by Cheshire Police in 1994.
Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson led this exhaustive probe, which gathered momentum and resulted in Burrows’ arrest in April 1997.
Charged with multiple counts of serious sexual assault and indecency, he appeared in magistrates’ court but vanished after receiving bail, failing to appear at a subsequent December hearing at Chester Crown Court.
Abandoning justice, Burrows sparked an extensive manhunt. Despite national appeals and television broadcasts attempting to locate him, Burrows maintained a low profile.
His name lingered on Cheshire Police’s wanted list for 27 years, his case actively reviewed to prevent it from growing cold.
A breakthrough arrived in April 2023 when advanced software detected Burrows living as “Peter Smith” in Chalong, Phuket. Using another man’s identity, he had acquired a fraudulent passport to elude the police.
Posing as Smith, Burrows immersed himself in Phuket’s society. Known in the local press for his work in advertising and active involvement in the sailing community, he assumed a life far removed from his criminal past. His facade remained intact until technology caught up with him.
Once confirmed as Burrows, Thai police, in collaboration with the National Crime Agency (NCA), watched him closely, intercepting him at Heathrow during his return. His arrest marked justice for a litany of victims. New charges were added, reflecting reports that emerged after his capture reignited media interest.
Detective Inspector Atkinson reflecting on the pedophile’s conviction.
“Our determination to locate Burrows over the past 27 years has not faltered and I welcome the verdict reached by the jury. It is clear that he is a prolific sex offender.
“He systematically abused his victims, specifically targeting vulnerable boys in order to fulfil his own sexual gratification.”
Atkinson described how Burrows lived with impunity overseas, never reflecting on the trauma he inflicted.
“In emails that we have found since his arrest, Burrows described how he has spent the past three decades ‘living in paradise,’ while his victims have all been left to suffer as they struggled to try and rebuild their lives.
“Thankfully, following our determination, he has finally been held accountable for his actions and is now behind bars where he belongs.”
Throughout his trial, Burrows failed to demonstrate remorse or empathy for his victims’ suffering. Though justice was delayed, Atkinson expressed hope that the conviction provides closure.
“While his victims will never be able to forget what happened to them, I hope that the fact that Burrows has now been held accountable will finally provide them with some closure. Sadly, four of his victims have now passed away and so did not get to see justice served.”
This case sends a strong message to other fugitives, said Atkinson.
“This case is a warning: no matter how long you hide, we will find you, and you will face justice.”
The outcome resonates beyond Burrows’ individual actions, shedding light on victim advocacy and justice persistence.
Cheshire Constabulary maintains a resolute stance on sexual offence allegations, ensuring victims are supported by specialist officers and allied agencies, preserving their dignity and privacy throughout, added Detective Inspector Atkinson
“Cheshire Constabulary takes any allegation of sexual offences extremely seriously, no matter how long ago they relate to, as this case shows. Any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.
“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.”
The courage displayed by the victims in breaking their silence and demanding justice is commendable. Their bravery, coupled with the tireless efforts of law enforcement, ensured that Burrows could not evade justice indefinitely.
If you have information regarding the Burrows case, Cheshire Police urge you to come forward. Your willingness could be crucial in securing justice comprehensively.
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