Accused of historic child sexual abuse, Burrows is arrested at Heathrow, marking a significant break in the case

After eluding capture for nearly three decades, Richard Burrows, an 80-year-old man accused of historic sexual abuse charges against children, was finally arrested at Heathrow Airport. His arrest came as he returned to the UK from Thailand, ending a 27-year manhunt led by Cheshire Police. Burrows had been on the run since failing to appear at Chester Crown Court in December 1997, where he faced grave charges including two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault, alleged to have occurred between 1969 and 1981.

The crimes Burrows is accused of span over a decade, with some offences purportedly taking place at a children’s home in Congleton, Cheshire, and others in the West Midlands. Despite his long absence, efforts to locate Burrows persisted, involving multiple appeals for information, including a notable Crimewatch appeal in 1998.

The breakthrough in the case resulted from collaborative efforts between Cheshire Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA) International. Following his arrest, Burrows appeared at Chester Crown Court, where he was remanded in custody, awaiting his next court appearance scheduled for June 21.

This arrest sends a stern warning to other fugitives: justice’s reach is long, and evading capture is a temporary reprieve. Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson emphasized the force’s relentless pursuit over the years and hailed the arrest as a pivotal moment for justice and closure for the victims involved. The public’s role in providing information during the search was acknowledged as instrumental in facilitating Burrows’s capture.

Duncan Burrage, NCA International liaison officer in Thailand, highlighted the effective international collaboration that led to locating Burrows. This case underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies, both domestically and internationally, to bring fugitives to justice, regardless of how long they have managed to evade capture.

Burrows’s arrest not only marks the end of a lengthy pursuit but also serves as a testament to the perseverance and dedication of the involved law enforcement agencies. It reaffirms their commitment to ensuring that individuals facing serious allegations are held accountable, offering a semblance of hope and reassurance to victims awaiting justice.