DAVID BURNS FROM CAMBRIDGE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRLS AT SEA CADETS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cambridge, a former Sea Cadets instructor named David Burns has been sentenced to three years in a young offenders' institution after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses involving underage girls under his supervision.

The incidents took place between 2006 and 2008, during which Burns, aged 20 at the time, exploited his position of authority within the Sea Cadets organization to manipulate and seduce two teenage girls. The court heard that Burns engaged in inappropriate sexual activities with these minors, including kissing and sexual intercourse, and took explicit photographs of himself with one of the victims. Additionally, he wrote erotic letters to at least one of the girls, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.

One of the victims, overwhelmed by the trauma, attempted to end her life by overdosing on medication after Burns repeatedly demanded sex from her and pressured her to remain silent about their encounters. Her distress was so severe that it led her to consider suicide, highlighting the profound impact of Burns' actions. The other girl recounted how Burns had initially seduced her and even lay semi-naked next to her inside the Sea Cadets' building before their relationship escalated into a sexual one.

During the trial at Cambridge Crown Court, the jury convicted Burns on two counts of sexual activity with a child, covering incidents from October 9, 2006, to June 30, 2008. He also pleaded guilty to two additional charges of sexual activity with minors in July and December of 2008. The court was told that Burns used his influence and authority to manipulate the girls, with the court hearing evidence of his coercive tactics and the emotional toll inflicted upon his victims.

Defense lawyer Michael Duffy attempted to defend Burns by claiming he was a well-liked figure among the cadets, stating, “If he was not liked he would not have attracted these girls, whatever the circumstances.” However, Judge Jonathan Haworth was unequivocal in his condemnation, emphasizing that Burns exploited his role to take advantage of vulnerable young girls. The judge remarked, “You corrupted, seduced and put pressure on these young girls to such an extent one of them even tried to take her own life. You used your position to take control of them in a sexual manner, and goodness knows how long it will take for them to recover from this trauma.”

As part of his sentence, Burns was ordered to serve three years in a young offenders' institution. He was also permanently banned from working with children and is required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register. Furthermore, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was issued, prohibiting him from having unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 16, except for his own family members. This case underscores the importance of safeguarding minors and highlights the devastating consequences when trusted authority figures abuse their positions.