MICHAEL BURNS FROM DARLINGTON JAILED FOR SICKENING ATTACKS ON YOUNG GIRLS
In a case that has spanned decades, justice has finally been served against Michael Burns, a man from Darlington, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls.The crimes, which took place over a long period, have left a lasting scar on the victims and have now resulted in a significant prison sentence.
Michael Burns, now aged 70, was found guilty of multiple charges including rape and sexual assault following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.
The court heard that Burns committed his first known assault during his teenage years, targeting a young girl and subjecting her to a traumatic experience that she carried with her for many years.
Later, in his late 20s, Burns continued his pattern of abuse by attacking another young girl, further compounding his criminal record.
Throughout the court proceedings, Burns remained impassive, showing little emotion as the details of his crimes were laid bare.
One of the victims, who is now an adult woman but cannot be named for legal reasons, delivered a powerful victim impact statement.
She recounted the profound and lasting effects of Burns' abuse, describing how she had carried the burden of her trauma since childhood.
In her statement, she expressed the deep scars left by Burns’ actions, stating, “From being a young child I carried the burden of what Burns did to me; the sexual abuse; the dirty little secret I kept to myself for so many years.
He treated me as though I was nothing more than a piece of meat, not only was he cruel and manipulative, worst of all, he made a little girl feel so incredibly dirty and helpless.” She also shared her relief at finally being able to speak out, saying, “Since Burns’ conviction and since being able to stand up in court and explain what happened to me, I have felt an enormous weight lift off my shoulders – I know this man no longer has a hold over me.
I am now hoping to move forward in my life in a positive manner.” The court was informed that Burns’ first offenses, including the rape and four sexual assaults, occurred in the 1960s, before he joined the Navy.
An additional offense was committed nearly twenty years later, indicating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior over many years.
Following the trial, Burns was convicted on all counts.
His defence lawyer, Duncan McReddie, argued that Burns continues to deny the allegations and maintains his innocence even after the verdict.
Despite this, Recorder Thomas Moran sentenced Burns to ten years in prison, describing his conduct as “sneaky and devious.” In addressing the impact on the victims, the judge highlighted the bravery of the first victim, noting that she had endured her suffering for over fifty years while Burns had gone on with his life.
“It’s clear from the evidence that she bravely gave in the trial that she has lived with what you did for over 50 years whilst you have got on with your own life.
The offences made her feel incredibly dirty and worthless,” the judge stated.
Turning to the second victim, the judge condemned Burns’ depravity, citing an especially disturbing detail where Burns asked her if she liked it before continuing the assault despite her pleas for him to stop.
This act was described as a reflection of Burns’ warped thinking and complete lack of remorse.
The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims.
