HARRY BURNS FROM LOWESTOFT SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN IPSWICH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Lowestoft, Harry Burns, a 54-year-old resident of High Street, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of three young children. The incident came to light after Burns was entrusted with the care of his friend’s children, which tragically led to a series of deeply disturbing events.

On August 12 of the previous year, Burns was asked to look after the three children, who are too young to be publicly identified due to legal restrictions. Two days later, upon returning home, the children confided in their mother that they had been subjected to sexual abuse by Burns. This revelation prompted an immediate police investigation.

During police interviews, the children disclosed that Burns had forced them into various states of undress and compelled each of them to perform sexual acts on him. They described Burns as being completely naked during these acts. Despite his initial denial, claiming that nothing inappropriate or sexual had occurred, Burns was arrested and taken into custody. He was subsequently interviewed by law enforcement officers, maintaining his innocence at that time.

However, just days before his trial was scheduled to commence, Burns admitted to the offences. His admission came as a shock to many, given his earlier denials. The court heard that Burns suffers from depression and has a history of alcoholism, factors that his legal team argued contributed to his actions. In mitigation, lawyer Andrew Thompson stated that Burns was struggling with these issues and found it difficult to come to terms with what he had done, though he offered no excuses for his behavior.

Thompson emphasized that although the abuse was appalling, it was not repeated and lasted between one and two hours. He also noted that Burns did not threaten violence during the incident. Nevertheless, the court found the offences to be “beastly” and “abhorrent,” with Judge David Goodin describing the acts as “abhorrent to anyone who has to listen to the details of what you did to those very young children.”

In sentencing, Judge Goodin handed Burns a 10-year prison term, reflecting the gravity of the crimes. Additionally, Burns was disqualified for life from working with children and was prohibited from entering or remaining in any residence where children under 16 are present unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The judge underscored the lasting impact such abuse could have on the victims, noting that the children endured a “relatively short ordeal” but one that could have profound effects on their future well-being.