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WILLIAM DONALD BURNS FROM INVERGORDON AND MUIR OF ORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN HIGHLANDS

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In April 2016, the tragic news emerged that William Donald Burns, a pensioner with a long history of heinous sexual offenses, had died while serving his prison sentence. Burns, who was known to have c.... Scroll down for more information.


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    WILLIAM DONALD BURNS FROM INVERGORDON AND MUIR OF ORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN HIGHLANDS

    In April 2016, the tragic news emerged that William Donald Burns, a pensioner with a long history of heinous sexual offenses, had died while serving his prison sentence. Burns, who was known to have committed acts of abuse over a span of two decades, was incarcerated at HMP Glenochil, located near Tullibody in Clackmannanshire, at the time of his death. He was 73 years old.

    Burns had been convicted in 2010 of a series of disturbing crimes involving the sexual exploitation of nine young girls in Ross-shire, a region in the Scottish Highlands. The court heard that Burns targeted vulnerable girls, many in their early teens, with one victim being only 11 years old when her abuse began. The judge described Burns’ actions as a “campaign of sexual exploitation,” emphasizing the callous and calculated nature of his conduct. It was revealed that Burns went to great lengths to ingratiate himself with young girls, often choosing those who appeared vulnerable or easily manipulated.

    During the trial, Burns admitted to 13 charges, which included indecency, breach of the peace, indecent assault, and allowing other men to use his residence for sex with underage girls. Prosecutor Andrew Laing highlighted the severity of Burns’ crimes, describing them as a series of appalling sexual offenses. The court also learned that Burns was married twice and that his nephew, Donald Burns of Invergordon, was sentenced to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to two sexual offenses, including unlawful intercourse with an underage girl at William Burns’ home in Muir of Ord.

    William Burns’ health was a significant concern during his incarceration. It was reported that he was suffering from throat cancer and other health issues, which cast doubt on whether he would serve the full length of his sentence. The Scottish Prison Service issued a statement confirming his death, stating, “William Burns, 73, a prisoner at HMP Glenochil has died. He was convicted at Edinburgh High Court on September 21, 2010. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Next of kin have been informed and a fatal accident inquiry may be held in due course.”

    In a related development, Burns had previously requested compassionate release in October 2012, citing his terminal illness. He wrote directly to Charles Kennedy, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, seeking assistance to be released so he could spend his final days at home in Muir of Ord. Burns referenced the case of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, the Lockerbie bomber, who was released on compassionate grounds in 2009 and later died earlier this year. In his letter, Burns expressed a desire to die with dignity, stating, “I do not have time to quibble about the niceties of constitutional issues and hope you’ll be able to help me leave this world with some little dignity.”

    However, the response from Mr. Kennedy’s office indicated that no action had been taken regarding Burns’ plea. The process for compassionate release involves a recommendation from the Scottish Prison Service to Scottish ministers, who then make the final decision. As of now, the status of Burns’ request remains unclear, and the Scottish Prison Service has declined to comment on individual cases.

    Looking back at the earlier stages of Burns’ criminal history, in September 2010, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to a series of sexual offenses committed over 20 years. The court described Burns as a “callous and calculating” offender who continued his abuse even after police were made aware of his activities. It was revealed that police had previously found a runaway teenager in Burns’ home in Muir of Ord, but due to a lack of prior record, she was allowed to stay. The court heard that Burns had used alcohol, cannabis, and cigarettes to manipulate his victims, often targeting them at local playparks near his residence.

    Further investigations uncovered that a report of abuse made in 1998 by a concerned mother was not properly recorded or investigated, raising questions about the police response at the time. Burns’ victims ranged in age from early teens to as young as 11, with most in their early teens. His nephew, Donald Burns, was also implicated and sentenced for sexual offenses at his uncle’s home.

    Throughout the court proceedings, Judge Lord Turnbull condemned Burns’ conduct, emphasizing the prolonged and calculated nature of his exploitation. The court also noted that Burns was diagnosed with throat cancer prior to sentencing, which cast doubt on whether he would serve his full sentence. The police finally intervened in March of the same year, bringing an end to Burns’ long history of abuse. Despite this, the scars left on his victims remain, and his death marks the end of a dark chapter in the Highlands’ criminal history.

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