This week, Richard Burrows a former housemaster and scout leader, has been sentenced bringing to light the harrowing abuse suffered by numerous boys over several decades.

Burrows, who fled to Thailand and evaded justice for nearly 30 years, was finally sentenced to 46 years in prison for over 90 child sex abuse offences at Chester Crown Court.

His victims, some as young as nine at the time of the abuse have endured unimaginable trauma and have waited far too long for justice.

Burrows held positions allowing him access to vulnerable children in different regions as a teacher and scoutmaster:

  • Housemaster at Danesford School in Congleton, Cheshire: He worked here between 1969 and 1971, where he abused boys as young as nine before being sacked after a boy reported the abuse by him.

  • Scout Master in the West Midlands: He was involved with scout groups in areas including Sutton Coldfield and Ross-on-Wye, where he continued his abuse during scout camps and activities.

In sentencing Burrows, Judge Everett called Burrows a “despicable man” and criticised his attempts to justify his actions, including the claim that there were “good paedophiles and bad paedophiles.”

Judge Everett raised criticism of the institutions that failed victims noting that they had failed to act on complaints against Burrows, allowing his abuse to continue for years without challenge.

Making an Abuse Claim

In cases like this, where abuse occurred within institutions including boarding schools and scout groups you are not alone.

If you or a loved one have been subjected to physical, emotional or sexual abuse at the hands of a scout leader or teacher you may be able to bring a claim against the person who abused you, against the relevant authority, or both, depending on the circumstances of your case. Farleys Solicitors can support you through this difficult period, securing you the valuable resources needed to move forward with your life.

Our highly skilled solicitors realise the suffering caused by instances of abuse never truly goes away, but pursing a claim often helps in providing survivors with a much-needed sense of closure over their past ordeals.

We have acted for a number of clients who have suffered abuse in the scouts, including people subjected to abuse by:

  • John Michael Creagh, who was sentenced to four years in jail for historical sex abuse crimes particularly relating to the 37th Ormskirk St Anne’s Scout Group in the 1970’s

  • John Edward Bates who was sentenced to 20 years in jail for sex abuse crimes during his time as a scout leader between 1972 and 1989.

  • Kenneth Alan Fawcett, who was sentenced to four years imprisonment for abusing boys in Barnoldswick and West Craven, whilst working as a Scout leader for Barrowford Scout Group

Our decades of experience means we know how difficult these conversations can be to have, and your comfort, safety and dignity is our priority throughout. You can get in touch with us by speaking to a member of our specialist abuse team on 0330 134 6430 or completing an online enquiry form.