A paedophile ex-scout leader who spent nearly three decades hiding in Thailand under a stolen identity has finally been jailed for 46 years after being convicted of more than 90 sexual offences against children.
Decades of Abuse Across the UK
Richard Burrows, 81, sexually abused 24 boys between 1968 and 1995 while working as a scout leader and housemaster at a children’s home. His offences spanned Cheshire, the West Midlands and West Mercia, where he used his trusted roles to gain access to vulnerable boys. He groomed them using shared interests such as boating and radio communication, before committing sustained abuse.
On the Run Since 1997
Burrows first faced justice in 1997, but fled the UK after being granted bail. He escaped detection for 27 years by stealing the identity of a dying acquaintance and obtaining a real passport under the name Peter Smith. He built a new life in Phuket, Thailand, where he lived undisturbed — even emailing friends that he was “living in paradise”.
Tracked Down by Technology
In April 2023, investigators using facial recognition technology found a photo online that resembled Burrows under his assumed identity. Officers were waiting when he returned to the UK and arrested him at Heathrow Airport. He was later charged with 97 offences — 54 of which he denied but was convicted of after trial. He had already admitted 43 others, including indecent assault, possession of child abuse images, and using fake ID.
‘You Ruined Countless Lives’
At Chester Crown Court, Judge Steven Everett said it was “one of the most, if not the most serious” child sex abuse cases he had seen. “You are a despicable man,” he told Burrows. “You deliberately infiltrated trusted institutions to get close to young boys and destroy their innocence.” One victim said Burrows had “stripped away my humanity” during an eight-hour assault on a camping trip. Another described a life ruined by silence and trauma, saying: “Even now I ask, ‘Why did you assault me?’ I looked up to you.”
No Remorse, No Escape
Burrows showed little remorse, at one point making the sickening claim that there were “good and bad paedophiles” — a remark the judge said was “repulsive”. The court heard that Burrows is likely to die in prison, something even his own defence lawyer conceded.
Justice Comes Too Late for Some
Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson, who led the investigation, said: “He’s a prolific offender who ran from justice while his victims suffered in silence.” She added that while many will find closure in the verdict, four of Burrows’ victims died before ever seeing him held accountable.
Burrows will serve a minimum of 46 years behind bars, plus one year on licence, ensuring he will never again be free to harm another child.
