JOHN BURNS SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN EASINGWOLD

In a case that has shocked the community of Easingwold, a man identified as John Burns has been handed a significant prison sentence after admitting to multiple serious sexual offences involving minors. The sentencing took place at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, May 1, 2014, where the 60-year-old resident of Station Court was sentenced to a total of 11 years behind bars.

Burns had previously entered a guilty plea during an earlier hearing to a series of disturbing charges. These included six counts of sexually assaulting a young girl over a period spanning six years, from 2007 to 2013. The allegations also encompassed four counts of taking indecent photographs, which further compounded the severity of his crimes. Additionally, Burns admitted to one count of sexual touching and one count of voyeurism, highlighting the breadth of his offending behavior.

The victims, who came forward in May 2013, demonstrated remarkable courage in reporting the abuse they endured. Their bravery was instrumental in bringing Burns to justice and ensuring that he faced the consequences of his actions. The case was prosecuted with the support of Northallerton’s Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit, with Detective Constable Rich Hampson emphasizing the gravity of Burns’ misconduct. He described Burns’ actions as a “disgusting level of abuse” that was carried out over an extended period.

Detective Constable Hampson expressed hope that the lengthy sentence would allow Burns to reflect on the harm he caused. He also acknowledged the importance of justice for the victims and their families, stating that the conclusion of the case might help them begin to move forward. The officer underscored the significance of the victims’ bravery in coming forward and the impact that such crimes have on their lives, emphasizing that justice had been served in this instance.