Manchester: A sex offender who evaded capture for nearly 30 years has been convicted of multiple crimes against young boys.
Richard Burrows was found guilty of 54 offences at Chester Crown Court, UK, on March 17, 2025.
His crimes included indecent assault, buggery, attempted buggery, and indecency with a child.
The 80-year-old had already admitted to 43 offences in an earlier hearing.
He remains in custody and will be sentenced on April 7 for a total of 97 offences.
Years of Abuse
Between 1968 and 1995, Burrows abused 24 boys across Cheshire, West Midlands, and West Mercia, UK.
In Cheshire, he worked as a Housemaster at Danesford Children’s Home in Congleton from 1969 to 1971.
He also targeted boys through local Scout groups, where he was a leader.
He used shared interests like boating and radio communication to gain their trust.
Once he secured their trust, he exploited his authority and abused the children.
Victims Speak
Some victims tried to report him earlier but feared they wouldn’t be believed.
By the 1990s, increased awareness of institutional abuse encouraged more survivors to come forward.
A large-scale investigation was launched in 1994 after allegations about the children’s home.
Burrows was arrested in April 1997 and charged with multiple offences.
He was released on bail but failed to appear at his court hearing in December 1997.
Vanished Without Trace
For 27 years, detectives searched for Burrows with national and international appeals.
Despite multiple leads, no evidence suggested he had left or remained in the UK.
His case stayed active, with regular police reviews over the years.
A breakthrough came in April 2023 when facial recognition technology was used.
The system matched an image of “Peter Smith” in Phuket, Thailand, to Burrows.
Stolen Identity
Burrows stole the identity of a dying acquaintance to create a fake passport in 1997.
Under this alias, he lived in Chalong, Phuket, Thailand, and worked in advertising.
He had a passion for sailing and even appeared in a 2019 local news article.
After confirming his identity, police alerted the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Before extradition could start, authorities learned he planned to return to the UK.
Final Capture
Burrows traveled to the UK using his stolen identity in 2023.
Authorities tracked his journey and arrested him at Heathrow Airport, London.
After his return, additional charges were filed against him.
More victims had come forward over the years in different police jurisdictions.
Some survivors spoke out only after seeing his arrest in the news.
Justice Delivered
Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson led the investigation into Burrows.
She highlighted the police’s unwavering efforts to locate him.
Emails revealed that Burrows felt no remorse for his crimes.
He described his life in Thailand as “paradise” while his victims suffered.
The guilty verdict ensures he is finally held accountable for his actions.
Warning to Offenders
Atkinson hopes this case warns other fugitives that justice will find them.
“No matter how long you hide, we will find you,” she stated.
She stressed the importance of victims speaking out, no matter when the abuse happened.
Specialist officers and support services are available for survivors.
Victims of sexual offences have lifelong anonymity and should not fear reporting.
Reporting Abuse
To report sexual offences, contact Cheshire Constabulary at cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or call 101.
Anonymous reports can be made via Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111.
For case-specific details, visit mipp.police.uk.
