SCOTT BURRELL CHARGED WITH SEX OFFENSES IN CHESTER-LE-STREET AND DURHAM

In December 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving Scott Burrell, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, who committed heinous acts in and around Chester-Le-Street and Durham. Burrell, now 26 years old, was convicted of multiple serious crimes, including the assault and rape of women he met online, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years.

Burrell’s criminal record is extensive. At just 17, he was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl in 2007, which led to him being subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) that prohibited him from being near minors. Despite this, he repeatedly breached the order over the years, engaging in dangerous and illegal conduct that put innocent women and children at risk.

The most recent and shocking incidents began in June of that year when Burrell contacted his first victim, a young single mother, via the internet. Their relationship quickly developed, and she became pregnant, with her due date set for the following year. Unbeknownst to her, Burrell was a registered sex offender, a fact she only discovered after the relationship had progressed. She expressed her fears about his potential to seek her out after his release from prison, especially given that he had spent time at her home, playing with her daughter and her daughter’s friend, both of whom were minors.

In August, after uncovering Burrell’s past, the woman reported him to the police. His response was aggressive and intimidating; he attempted to coerce her into withdrawing her statement by making threatening remarks, including wishing harm upon her unborn child and her daughter. He also sent her a disturbing photograph of her daughter dressed as a princess and threatened to show it to people who might wish her harm. Burrell pleaded guilty to breaching the SOPO and to intimidation charges.

Further offenses occurred when Burrell unlawfully entered another woman’s home on August 25. He approached her uninvited, asked for a kiss, which she refused, and then physically lifted her by her bottom, kissed her neck, and later sent her suggestive messages. He admitted to sexual assault for this incident.

By early September, Burrell was engaging in online conversations with yet another woman, with whom he arranged to meet within two days of initial contact. They spent time together on September 16, but the situation turned violent when Burrell’s mood shifted after a phone call from his mother. He subjected the woman to a brutal attack, fracturing her rib and causing bruising to her chest, jaw, arms, and thigh. Despite her resistance, Burrell, who was also slightly injured during her attempt to fight back, demanded sex from her. He ultimately raped her, to which he pleaded guilty.

In a separate incident, Burrell visited another woman’s home, where her two young children were present, breaching his SOPO restrictions. She trusted him to care for her son, unaware of his past, until she discovered his status as a sex offender. She immediately contacted the police, leading to his arrest the following day. She expressed her distress, stating, “I only found out when he left that he was wanted by the police for rape and other offences. I feel sick at the thought of him being near my children, I’m angry and upset. The thought of him hurting my children or me haunts me. He completely deceived me into thinking he was a normal, good genuine person. I will find it hard to trust another man again.”

Burrell’s history of breaching the SOPO includes violations in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012, resulting in multiple prison sentences. His repeated offenses and the systematic nature of his predatory behavior prompted the court to impose a significant sentence. In December 2014, he was sentenced to a total of 13 years, comprising eight years in prison followed by an extended license period until 2027. Additionally, a restraining order was issued to prevent him from approaching the pregnant victim, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely. The SOPO remains in effect to this day.

Julie Clemitson, representing Burrell, acknowledged his lengthy time in custody and the bleak prospects for his future relationships, citing the impact of his criminal past and the complications surrounding his unborn child. The court’s decision underscores the serious concern over his potential risk to women and children, given his history of moving from victim to victim and breaching legal restrictions designed to protect the public.