A wanted man has been apprehended after being on the run for over three decades.
Richard Burrows was detained on Thursday, March 28, at Heathrow Airport after returning to the UK from Thailand, thanks to the efforts of Cheshire Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA) International.
Cheshire Police had wanted the 80-year-old since December 1997, when he failed to appear at Chester Crown Court for his trial on two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault.
The charges stem from the alleged sexual abuse of children between 1969 and 1971.
Some of the crimes are said to have happened in a children’s home in Congleton, while others took place in the West Midlands.
Burrows’ disappearance has prompted numerous wanted appeals, including a Crimewatch appeal in 1998.
Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson said:
Our commitment to find Burrows has not wavered over the last 27 years, and his arrest is a big step forward in this case and the start of closure for all parties involved.
“I’d want to thank the public for the information they’ve supplied over the years throughout our search for Burrows, and I hope his arrest brings some reassurance.
“I also hope that his arrest acts as a warning to any other wanted suspects – demonstrating that no matter how long you hide, we will find you and you will be arrested.”
Duncan Burrage, NCA International Liaison Officer in Thailand, said:
We were able to track down a fugitive wanted in connection with highly serious allegations thanks to our international network and strong collaboration with Cheshire Police colleagues.
“This arrest demonstrates law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to hunt down those who await justice in the UK.”
Burrows was remanded in police custody after his arrest and is scheduled to appear in Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
