Former Scouts leader Richard Burrows charged with 89 child abuse counts after decades on run

A former Scouts leader and children’s home carer has been charged with 89 counts of sexual abuse after being on the run for 27 years.

Richard Burrows, 80, is accused of sexually abusing 26 children between 1968 and 1995 in Cheshire, the West Midlands and West Mercia.

He was arrested in March 2024 at Heathrow Airport having previously fled to Thailand.

Burrows had been wanted since December 1997 when he failed to attend Chester Crown Court to face trial for some of the serious sexual allegations.

On his return Burrows was charged with 21 new counts of indecent assault and two of serious sexual offences, taking the total sexual abuse charges to 89. He also faces four counts possession of a false identity document with intent.

Some of the charges against Burrows relate to allegations of abuse that happened when he worked as a carer at a children’s home in Congleton, Cheshire, between 1969 and 1971. Others occurred in the West Midlands and West Mercia between 1968 and 1995, it is alleged, the majority of which were through local Scout groups where Burrows was a leader.

Burrows is now facing 78 counts of indecent assault, six of serious sexual offence, two of indecency with a child and three of making indecent images of children.

It is important survivors are aware they should not suffer in silence and support is available.

As well as seeking justice through the criminal process, survivors can also pursue compensation through the civil process for the harm caused to them by the abuse. Bolt Burdon Kemp is committed to supporting survivors of abuse in obtaining the compensation they deserve.

Anyone affected by the issues raised in this blog can contact me directly for free, no-obligation advice about their rights.