Richard Burrows finally brought to justice after 27 years on the run due to AI technology

Richard Burrows was originally arrested in 1997 and charged with the abuse of young boys across Cheshire, West Midlands and West Mercia, but failed to attend Court and became one of the UK’s most wanted fugitives.

During 1969 and 1971, whilst he was a housemaster at Danesford Childrens Home in Congleton, Cheshire, he was charged with abusing boys aged between 10-15. 

Between 1968 and 1995 in the West Midlands and West Mercia he worked as a local scout leader and at an amateur radio station using his attic to store his radio equipment and lure young boys there. 

During his trial, Mark Connor KC said “He obtained positions of trust and responsibility which he breached to satisfy himself sexually with the youngsters”.  Burrows tried to justify his actions telling jurors he was a ‘good paedophile…who loved boys…and wouldn’t harm them.”

He originally pleaded guilty to 43 crimes before he went on the run, however after finally being arrested at Heathrow Airport in March 2024, he was convicted of a further 54 child sex offences at Chester Crown Court this week making that a total of 97 offences.   

He is due to be sentenced next month but he is likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

After failing to face his charges in 1997, he fled the county whilst on police bail, under a false name and on a false passport, under the name of Peter Leslie Smith, a terminally ill acquaintance and fled to Thailand. 

So how was he caught 27 years later…

He was living on the Island of Phuket under his new identity as a successful salesman.  His acquaintances where unaware of his horrific past.  Despite being one of the UK most wanted fugitives and numerous Crimewatch appeals there was no evidence of where Burrows had fled to.  However the breakthrough came according to Cheshire Police when they used “specialist software to search for any possible images of Burrows online”.  The system found a match for a man named Peter Smith in Phuket.  Before they could start the process to extradite him, they were tipped off by a family member that he was planning on returning to the UK.  He was arrested as soon as he landed at Heathrow Airport.

Despite these crimes being historic occurring between 1968 and 1995 it is never too late for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out and potentially claim compensation.

Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of sexual abuse claim compensation.

If you have been a victim of physical and/or sexual abuse and would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.

Our Sexual Abuse Compensation Team can be contacted by telephoning 08009555094 or 03303001103.