NICHOLAS BURNS FROM NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS SENTENCED AFTER FACEBOOK THREAT TO SCHOOLGIRL IN MERSEYSIDE

In March 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Nicholas Burns, a 24-year-old resident of Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside, who engaged in a series of malicious and threatening online communications with a young girl. The ordeal began when the girl, a school student, inadvertently sent Burns a private message on Facebook on New Year’s Day. Burns responded inappropriately, asking, “Who is this? You are gorgeous,” despite the girl clarifying that she had not intended to contact him and that she was under 16 years old.

Undeterred by her clarification, Burns revealed that he was 24 and demanded her phone number. When she refused, he persisted in pestering her, escalating his behavior into aggressive and threatening messages. The young girl was subjected to a barrage of vicious insults and threats, including calls of her being a “f***ing rat” and disturbing questions about girls lying about being raped. One of the most alarming threats was Burns stating, “I will find your family, I will find where you live. I wouldn’t hesitate to put a gun to your head.”

Burns also threatened to harm her family, explicitly stating he would locate her home and her relatives. The girl, understandably distressed and frightened by the relentless abuse, confided in her family about the messages. In response, Burns continued his verbal assault, calling her a “f***ing rat” once again.

Following his arrest by police, Burns admitted to two counts of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which had previously been imposed for harassing another child in 2014. He also pleaded guilty to charges of malicious communication and possession of cannabis. The court heard that Burns had contacted a girl under the age of 13 and downloaded adult pornography, actions that further demonstrated his predatory behavior.

As part of his sentencing, Burns was handed a ten-year SOPO, which restricts his contact with minors and his online activity. Additionally, he received a three-year community order, which includes conditions related to his behavior and rehabilitation. The court’s decision reflects the severity of his offenses, especially considering his history of harassment and exploitation involving minors in the past.

Overall, the case highlights the dangers of online predators and the importance of strict legal measures to protect vulnerable individuals from such threats. Nicholas Burns’s actions have left a lasting impact on his victims, and the legal consequences serve as a reminder of the serious repercussions faced by those who engage in such criminal behavior in Merseyside and beyond.