15 years' jail for child sex attacker

A man from Swindon has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for non-recent sexual assaults on children.

Stephen Burrows (also known as Marc), 47, of Fitkin Court, Redhouse, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on October 24 after being found guilty by trial in August of indecent assault, two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, assault by penetration and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Between 1999 and 2012 Burrows took advantage of his victims when staying in their homes.

When Burrows was in his 20s he assaulted his first victim when she was between eight and 10 years old when staying over at her house. When she got up for a drink in the early hours of the morning he assaulted her.

He assaulted his second victim on two occasions when she was aged between 10 and 12 years old, while having a relationship with her mother.

Burrows was sentenced to two years for indecent assault, six months for sexual assault, six years for another sexual assault, 13 years for assault by penetration and seven years for causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Once released he will have an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In a statement read out in court one of Burrows' victim's said: “It shouldn’t need to be said, but no child should have to go through what I did.

“I feel like my whole life was taken from me at that moment when this adult decided to do what he did to me as a child.

“I feel that the man who did this to me should get what he deserves – the passage of time doesn’t change anything for me and I feel as strongly as I did the day it happened.”

His other victim said in a statement: "Mark's decision all those years ago has affected my life in many different ways.

"He didn't just take my childhood, but he has impacted my relationship with other people.

"He's taken my self worth, confidence and made me feel incapable of being loved."

Detective Sergeant Chris Hughes said: “The survivors of these assaults were just children when they were sexually abused by Stephen Burrows, who manipulated them both for his own sexual gratification.

“As adults, years after the abuse had stopped, they found the courage to report what happened to them to the police. 

“I would like to commend them for their bravery in coming forward and for their conduct throughout this trial.

"Burrows' conviction will not reverse the damage he has done, but I hope that they are able to start moving forward.

“It’s never too late to report child sexual abuse. I encourage anyone who was abused as a child to tell police. Reports of non-recent abuse are handled by officers who are specially trained in supporting victims and dealing with such sensitive cases.”

People can report child abuse to us via https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/how-to-report-possible-child-abuse/

More information can be found here.