DAVID BURLAND SCOUT LEADER FROM BURNHAM-ON-SEA JAILED FOR 15 YEARS OVER DECADES OF CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the community of Burnham-on-Sea and the surrounding areas, David Burland, a former scout leader, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences committed over a span of more than two decades. Burland, who was actively involved in the scout movement within the Burnham and Highbridge regions, was found guilty of numerous counts of child abuse, with his crimes dating back to 1987 and continuing until 2010.

His conviction was secured at Taunton Crown Court in February 2012, where he was sentenced to 15 years behind bars. The court also imposed an extended six-year licence period, during which Burland would be subject to supervision and could be returned to custody if he committed further offences. The charges against him included 18 counts of indecent assault, 12 counts of sexual assault, two counts of indecency with a child, and one count of indecent exposure. Burland, aged 54 at the time and residing on Ramsay Way in Burnham-on-Sea, was described as a manipulative individual who exploited his trusted position within the community to prey on vulnerable children.

His crimes first came to light in 2010 when a girl, who had previously confided her concerns about Burland’s inappropriate behaviour to an adult, was sexually assaulted by him. It was revealed that Burland had also subjected three teenage boys to abuse, using alcohol and pornography as tools to coerce them into sexual acts. Most of the abuse was inflicted upon a single victim over a period of six years, highlighting the extent and duration of Burland’s predatory conduct.

Following the allegations, Burland was suspended from the scout organization, and the Scout Association publicly stated that he would never be permitted to work with children again. The court heard that Burland’s actions betrayed the trust placed in him by parents and the community, with Judge Graham Hume-Jones emphasizing the betrayal of trust during the sentencing. The judge also noted that Burland’s conduct had caused significant harm to his victims, who demonstrated remarkable courage in coming forward to testify against him.

During the trial, prosecutor Ian Fenny described Burland as a sexual predator who manipulated his victims, often using alcohol and pornography to facilitate his abuse. The evidence presented showed that most of the charges related to a single victim, who endured up to six years of abuse. Burland was convicted of 18 counts of indecent assault involving a boy under 16, nine counts of sexual assault on boys under 16, three counts of sexual assault on a girl under 16, two counts of indecency with a child, and one count of indecent exposure.

Det Con Mark Fudge, who was involved in the investigation, commented on Burland’s cunning and manipulative nature, highlighting how he exploited his trusted role to groom children. Fudge also praised the victims for their bravery in giving evidence during the trial, acknowledging the difficulty they faced in speaking out against their abuser. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding children from those who seek to exploit their innocence.