Congleton school-children abuser on trial

The 80-year-old allegedly preyed on victims while working at a children’s home in Congleton in the 1960s

On returning from Thailand, his home for 27 years, a man accused of child sex offences told his arresting police officers he’d been living in “paradise”.

Richard Burrows, 80, was due in court in December 1997, but fled the country a jury at Cheshire Crown Court was told.

Burrows, originally from Sutton Coldfield, denies four counts of buggery, two counts of indecency with a child, two counts of attempted buggery and 47 indecent assaults against 10 complainants aged between nine and 15, from the mid-1960s to the mid-1990s.

Prosecutor, Mark Connor, told the jury that, over many years, Burrows systematically abused boys with whom he came into contact.

“He obtained positions of trust and responsibility which he breached to satisfy himself sexually with the youngsters.”

Burrows had worked as a housemaster at a Congleton children’s home in the 1960s, where he allegedly preyed on vulnerable youngsters.

He was also involved in the Scouts as a Scout leader and local amateur radio clubs.

The jury was told Burrows admits indecent assault and sexual touching of some of the boys in his care. He denies abusing other youngsters and any penetrative sexual activity. The jury was told he appears to suggest he did no harm.

He claims the complainants in this trial are either mistaken about the identity of the perpetrator or are lying.

Mr Connor said Burrows was first arrested in April 1997 and his house in Birmingham was searched.

A number of magazines showing adolescent and pre-pubescent boys engaged in sex were found stitched inside one of his jackets.

He was charged with child sexual offences and was due to appear a Chester Crown Court on December 8 1997. When he failed to attend, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Burrows flew to Thailand under the name Peter Leslie Smith, having cloned an acquaintance’s identity and obtained a passport in that name. He was arrested at Heathrow Airport when he returned to the UK on the eve of his 80th birthday last March.

A Police appeal on BBC Crimewatch for information about Burrows, prompted more complainants to come forward.

The trial is expected to last up to five weeks.