Richard Burrows, an 81-year-old former scout leader and school housemaster, was sentenced to 46 years in prison for sexually abusing 24 boys from 1968 to 1995 across multiple regions in the UK.

Burrows evaded justice for 27 years by living under a stolen identity in Thailand after failing to attend a court hearing in December 1997.

He fraudulently obtained a passport using the identity of a terminally ill acquaintance, which facilitated his escape from the UK.

Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson highlighted Burrows' systematic targeting of vulnerable boys and expressed hope that his conviction would provide closure for the victims, some of whom have since passed away.

Victims shared personal statements in court, detailing the long-lasting trauma and shame they experienced due to Burrows' actions, with one victim recounting an eight-hour ordeal that led to severe mental health struggles.

Samantha Thompson from the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized that justice has been served and reaffirmed the commitment to prosecuting sex offenders regardless of how much time has passed since the offenses.

During the trial, Judge Everett criticized Burrows for his lack of genuine remorse and self-pity, focusing instead on the suffering he caused his victims.

Burrows' defense attorney acknowledged the severity of the case, noting that Burrows would likely die in prison, while the judge expressed skepticism about his remorse.

Despite Burrows' attempts to escape justice, police and the Crown Prosecution Service remained committed to holding him accountable for his crimes.

Burrows had previously been dismissed from Danesford Children’s Home following complaints of indecent assault, which were not believed at the time.

His crimes spanned multiple regions, raising concerns that the reported offenses were only a fraction of his total abuse.

Burrows remains in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on April 30, 2025, as he awaits the final determination of his punishment.