Richard Burrows: Man arrested after years on the run faces more abuse charges

Richard Burrows, who was arrested in March after more than 27 years on the run, is now facing further charges.

Burrows, 80, who has been accused of sexually abusing children between 1968 and 1995, was once one of the country’s most wanted men before he was arrested at Heathrow Airport after returning to the UK from Thailand.

He had originally failed to appear for trial at Chester Crown Court in December 1997 when facing two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault.

Cheshire Police say Burrows has now been charged with 21 new counts of indecent assault and two further serious sexual offences meaning he now faces 89 charges in respect of 26 victims.

He was remanded back into custody and will appear in court again at later date.

The charges relate to allegations of abuse reported to have taken place while Burrows worked as a carer at a children’s home in Congleton, Cheshire, between 1969 and 1971 and in the West Midlands between 1968 and 1995.

Police said the majority of the alleged offences in the West Midlands related to local Scout groups where Burrows worked as a leader.

It is clear from the investigation that time and age is no barrier in criminal proceedings of this nature and that the police will not rest until people like Burrows are brought to justice.