ROBIN BURROWS FROM SOUTH WIGSTON SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN LEICESTER

In a case that has spanned decades and shocked the local community, Robin Leonard Burrows, a 54-year-old man from South Wigston, was handed a severe prison sentence of 24 years after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against four children in Leicester. The crimes, which took place between 1979 and 1987, involved a disturbing pattern of abuse targeting three boys and one girl, whose ages ranged from just four to 15 at the time of the offenses.

Burrows, residing at Jasmine Court, off Saffron Road in South Wigston, faced a total of 20 charges, including multiple counts of rape, indecent assault, and other sexual misconduct. The conviction followed a detailed trial at Leicester Crown Court last month, culminating in a sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court yesterday. Throughout the proceedings, police and prosecutors commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward after many years of silence, despite the emotional toll of reliving their traumatic experiences.

During the trial, Burrows maintained his innocence, denying all allegations and claiming that no sexual activity had ever taken place. Nevertheless, the jury found him guilty of numerous offenses, including eight counts of indecent assault on a boy aged between eight and 15, and two counts of attempting to commit a serious sexual offense against the same child. He was also convicted of two counts of sexual assault on a six-year-old boy, as well as one count of indecency with a child and two additional indecent assault charges involving a third boy aged between four and 11.

Furthermore, Burrows was found guilty of two counts of raping a girl aged between six and nine, along with three counts of indecently assaulting her. The crimes were committed at various locations in Leicester, with the abuse only coming to light when police were informed in May 2013. Following this revelation, Burrows was charged in January and February of the subsequent year. During police interviews, he continued to deny any wrongdoing, asserting that no sexual activity had occurred.

Detective Constable James Potts of Leicestershire Police expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Burrows has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for his despicable crimes, and we hope that the significant sentence he has received helps the victims to move on with their lives.” He emphasized the courage of the victims, noting, “They have shown immense bravery during the investigation and trial, which has been extremely difficult for them. The offences were committed in the 1980s, and during the trial, the victims had to relive those dreadful incidents in court and face the perpetrator. Burrows was in a position of trust and exploited that for his own personal gain.”

Janine Smith, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service in the East Midlands, highlighted the systematic nature of Burrows’ abuse, stating, “Robin Burrows systematically exploited and abused four children over several years. His actions robbed them of their childhood and have had a lasting, devastating impact on their adult lives.” She also issued a stern warning to others who might have committed similar crimes in the past, saying, “There is nowhere to hide. No matter how long ago these crimes were committed, justice will be pursued. We are committed to prosecuting these difficult cases and supporting victims throughout the process.”

Earlier, in November 2014, Burrows was warned that he could face a “lengthy” jail sentence after being found guilty by a jury of 20 offenses, including two counts of raping the girl. The court heard that the abuse occurred at various locations in Leicester, with the victims aged between four and 15. Burrows, who denied all allegations, claimed that the victims had “concocted” the stories, asserting that no abuse had taken place. The court adjourned sentencing to January 15 at Derby Crown Court, where Judge Ebraham Mooncey presided and indicated that a lengthy sentence was imminent.

Throughout the legal process, the case drew attention to the importance of victims’ courage in coming forward and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred. The community of South Wigston and Leicester as a whole continues to grapple with the impact of these revelations, but the conviction and sentencing of Robin Burrows mark a significant step in addressing past abuses and seeking justice for the victims involved.