CRAIG BURROWS SHOCKING SEX CHARGES IN SUDBURY AND RICHMOND REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Sudbury and Richmond, Craig Burrows, a man renowned for his charitable work and missionary efforts, has been found guilty of serious sexual offenses against young girls. The conviction was announced at Teesside Crown Court after a seven-day trial that captivated local and national attention.

Burrows, aged 50 and a former pupil of Richmond School, appeared visibly stunned when the verdicts were read. His reaction was one of disbelief as he shook his head and fixed his gaze on the jury panel. Despite being granted bail at the conclusion of the trial, Judge Tony Briggs issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the decision to release him on bail should not be interpreted as a sign of leniency, and that sentencing would follow after further assessments.

Currently residing on Canterbury Road in Sudbury, Suffolk, Craig Burrows is scheduled to be sentenced next month, pending the completion of a background report prepared by probation officials. The jury, composed of six men and six women, convicted him of six counts of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child, crimes that allegedly took place over three decades ago.

During the investigation, Burrows vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that his accusers had been coerced or manipulated. He asserted that the accusations were false and that the girls involved had been 'put up' to making these claims, suggesting a motive rooted in disputes with his ex-wife over their shared property in the Philippines. Burrows, who spent more than 25 years working in the Philippines as a missionary affiliated with the Assemblies of God, had purchased property there and was actively involved in charitable initiatives.

In his statements to detectives, Burrows insisted, “There is no way these allegations are honest or truthful. These things did not happen. These girls were put up to it.” He also claimed that someone had been paid to attempt to harm him after he began investigating allegations of sexual abuse in the Philippines, further complicating the case. He denied ever staying in dormitories with children he met during his missionary work, asserting, “I have been destroyed by these allegations. I just want this to be over.”

In his defense, Burrows provided details of his extensive charitable work, including establishing five charities in the Philippines aimed at aiding victims of natural disasters. He highlighted his efforts to secure funding from organizations such as the Asian Students Christian Trust, which helped him set up a school for children living in impoverished conditions, often referred to as “rubbish tip” children. Additionally, he received support from the Zetland Christian Centre, now known as the Influence Church, based in Reeth Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire.

However, the case also uncovered troubling allegations from Burrows’ time in Richmond during the mid-1980s. It was claimed that he sexually assaulted two girls who had been invited to stay with him and his then-wife at their home. One of the complainants recounted that Burrows had placed his hand on her vagina and had invited her to bathe with him while he was naked. Burrows, at that time, maintained that he was employed as a security guard at Catterick Garrison and that he was not present at the scene during the alleged incident, asserting he had been out working shifts.

As the trial continues, the community remains divided and deeply affected by the allegations and subsequent conviction. Craig Burrows’ case has brought to light the complex and often painful intersections of charity work, personal history, and criminal conduct, leaving many to question the true nature of his long-standing reputation as a philanthropist and missionary.