Suspected paedophile, 80, arrested at Heathrow after almost 30 years on the run
An 80-year-old suspected paedophile has been arrested at Heathrow after nearly 30 years on the run over allegations of historical sexual abuse against young boys.
Richard Burrows was arrested last week in a joint operation by Cheshire Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA) after arriving in the UK from Thailand.
He is due to appear at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday.
Burrows, a former scoutmaster, was charged in 1997 with 11 counts of indecent assault and two counts of buggery said to have taken place between 1969 and 1971.
The offences are believed to have taken place at Danesford children’s home in Congleton, Cheshire, while others took place in the West Midlands.
Burrows had been due to stand trial in 1998 but fled and remained on the run for 27 years.
‘No matter how long you you hide, we will find you’
In 2011, BBC’s Crimewatch issued an appeal for the public to help catch Burrows saying he was wanted in connection with the “sexual assault of young boys” while he was employed as a housemaster.
Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson said: “Our determination to locate Burrows has not faltered over the past 27-years and his arrest marks a significant step forward in this case and the beginning of closure for all those involved.
“I would like to thank the public for the information that they have provided over the years during our search for Burrows and I hope that his arrest provides some reassurance.
“I also hope that his arrest acts as a warning to any other wanted suspects – demonstrating that no matter how long you hide, we will find you and you will be arrested.”
Duncan Burrage, NCA International Liaison Officer in Thailand, said: “Utilising our international network and working closely with Cheshire Police colleagues, we have been able to track down a fugitive wanted in connection to extremely serious allegations.
“This arrest demonstrates law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to hunt down those who await justice in the UK.”
