ALEN BURROWS FROM LYDIATE SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING YOUNG GIRL IN LIVERPOOL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Lydiate and the wider Liverpool area, Alen Burrows has been sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences committed against a young girl. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that Burrows, 64, carried out over a period of time, targeting a girl under the age of ten and subjecting her to acts that have left deep emotional scars.

According to court reports, Burrows, who resides on Withens Road in Lydiate, engaged in a series of heinous acts that included repeatedly assaulting the young girl. The court heard that he would often tickle her stomach in a seemingly innocent manner, only to escalate the abuse to rape. The victim was also forced to inspect Burrows' body using a torch, a perversion that later proved to be a critical piece of evidence during the trial. The victim was able to describe intimate details of Burrows' body, which played a significant role in securing his conviction.

Burrows was initially arrested and charged with over 20 sexual offences. Despite denying all allegations, he was eventually convicted in a trial held in January. The prosecution, led by Andrew Ford, presented a statement from the victim, describing how the abuse had profoundly affected her, making her very private and very angry. She also sought counselling to cope with the trauma inflicted upon her.

During the trial, the court heard that Burrows' actions were driven by perversions that he believed to be normal. His defense lawyer, Desmond Lennon, argued that Burrows came from a law-abiding family and had led a law-abiding life. Lennon also mentioned that Burrows was in poor health, suffering from high blood pressure and having undergone gall bladder removal, suggesting that these health issues should be considered in sentencing.

However, Judge Andrew Menary, QC, was unequivocal in his remarks. He stated, “You have been convicted of a multiplicity of offences on what appears to me to be clear and compelling evidence. She was totally vulnerable. When she confronted you, you told her nobody would believe her and that she had wanted it to happen. This must have horrified that young girl.” The judge emphasized the gravity of Burrows' actions and the betrayal of trust involved.

In sentencing, Judge Menary handed down a combined sentence of 17 years, which included 17 years for rape, 14 years for attempted rape, five years for multiple indecent assaults, and four years for over a dozen charges of indecency with a child. Additionally, Burrows was ordered to comply with sex offender notification requirements and was barred from having any contact with children or vulnerable adults.

The judge concluded his remarks by expressing hope that the victim would now realize that her claims were believed, and he acknowledged the jury's role in delivering justice. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Lydiate and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children from such predatory individuals.