MICHAEL BURROWS FROM ROUGHLEE SENTENCED FOR SIX-YEAR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN BURNLEY

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Roughlee and the wider Burnley area, Michael Burrows, aged 64, has been sentenced to four years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed over a span of six years. The offences involved the abuse of a young girl who was once a talented student but was left deeply traumatized by Burrows' actions, which had severe and lasting effects on her mental health and well-being.

Burnley Crown Court heard that Burrows, residing at Crow-trees in Roughlee, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of indecent assault, one count of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual assault. These crimes took place between 1999 and 2005, during which time the victim was subjected to a calculated and prolonged pattern of abuse.

The court was informed that the victim, whose identity remains protected, struggled significantly at school following the incidents. She required counseling to cope with the trauma inflicted upon her. Her suffering was compounded by her reluctance to discuss her experiences with her mother, and at one point, she even went missing, highlighting the profound impact of Burrows' misconduct.

Prosecutor Francis McEntee described how Burrows groomed the young girl, establishing a relationship that allowed him to carry out his abusive acts. The allegations presented in court were described as serious and representative of a pattern of predatory behavior. The abuse ceased in the summer of 2005, but the emotional scars persisted.

Judge Christopher Cornwall emphasized the gravity of Burrows' actions, condemning his conduct as calculated and part of an 'extensive course of misconduct of an extremely grave nature.' The judge highlighted the devastating consequences of such abuse, noting that Burrows had cast a 'very dark shadow' over the victim's childhood. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Cornwall stated that the punishment must reflect the public's utter abhorrence and unequivocal condemnation of Burrows' behavior.

As part of the court's decision, Burrows was banned from working with children and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Additionally, he was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with anyone under 16 and from allowing minors into his home.

During proceedings, defense lawyer Martin Hackett acknowledged that Burrows had faced the reality of his offending and was attempting to understand his motives. Burrows himself told probation officers that his actions made him feel sick and terrible, yet he also admitted that the abuse gave him both physical and sexual pleasure, revealing the complex and troubling nature of his misconduct.