Former Scout Leader Richard Burrows Jailed for Historic Child Abuse

Former Scout leader Richard Burrows, a prolific sex offender who spent almost 30 years ‘living in paradise’, has finally been jailed.

Burrows was sentenced last week to 46 years in prison after being found guilty of 54 offences following a trial at Chester Crown Court. He also pleaded guilty to a further 43 offences at an earlier hearing.

Former Scout leader Richard Burrows, who spent almost 30 years ‘living in paradise’, has finally been jailed for historic child abuse.

The court heard how between 1968 and 1995 Burrows systematically abused 24 young boys across Cheshire, the West Midlands and West Mercia.

The offences in Cheshire occurred between 1969 and 1971 while he was working as a Housemaster, looking after vulnerable children at Danesford Children’s Home in Congleton.

His victims in the West Midlands and West Mercia were also all young boys who were abused between 1968 and 1995, the majority through local Scout groups where Burrows worked as a leader.

He was charged in May 1997 and released on bail by the magistrates’ court and was due to attend a further hearing at Chester Crown Court but fled to Thailand after assuming the identity of a terminally ill acquaintance and acquiring a bogus passport. He was eventually found in in Chalong, Phuket in 2023 by officers using specialist facial recognition software.

He was arrested at Heathrow on 28th March last year after he ran out of money and returned to the UK and charged in relation to further offences in Cheshire, the West Midlands and West Mercia which had been reported since his disappearance.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson, who had led the investigation, said: “Firstly, I want to recognise the bravery and courage shown by all the victims in this case. Without their testimony, support and patience, we would not have been able to reach this point.

“Burrows is a coward, he knew he was guilty in 1997, but rather than face the consequences of his actions, he fled the country after fraudulently obtaining a passport using the identity of an unwell man.

“He spent the last 27 years, in his own words, ‘living in paradise’. It is clear that he did not spare a thought for his victims, who were trying to live their lives under the shadow of the abuse they had suffered.”

Why This Case Matters

Cases like this send a clear message: it is never too late to seek justice.

At Andrew Grove & Company Solicitors, we specialise in supporting survivors of historic sexual abuse to pursue civil claims. We recognise that reporting abuse - particularly decades after it occurred - is an enormously courageous act. Survivors often face a long road of trauma, silence and self-doubt before feeling able to come forward.

Can I Still Make a Claim for Abuse That Happened Years Ago?

Yes. UK law allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to make civil compensation claims even if the abuse happened many years ago. While some cases may face time limitation challenges, courts are increasingly recognising the psychological barriers that prevent early reporting, and they may allow claims to proceed out of time if it is just to do so.

Every case is unique, which is why we offer a free and confidential consultation to talk through your options.

What Support Is Available?

Bringing a claim is not just about compensation - it’s about holding perpetrators and those who had a duty of care accountable. Survivors often tell us that being heard, believed and represented can be deeply validating and healing.

We have decades of experience handing historic abuse compensation claims and work with trusted counsellors and support organisations to ensure that clients feel safe and supported throughout the legal process.

Talk to a Specialist in Historic Abuse Cases

If you or someone you know has experienced abuse - whether recently or in the past - we’re here to help. At Andrew Grove & Company, our abuse solicitors handle these cases with sensitivity and discretion.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Justice is possible - no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.