PETER BURNS RUNCORN WRESTLING REFEREE GROOMS YOUNG BOY WITH SEXUAL AIMS
In September 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Peter John William Burns, a 19-year-old wrestling referee and ring announcer from Runcorn, who attempted to groom a young boy under the guise of teaching him wrestling techniques.The incident unfolded through online communications, where Burns contacted the juvenile via Facebook Messenger, initiating a conversation that quickly took a sinister turn.
Prosecutor Philip Clemo outlined in court that Burns sought to manipulate the boy by suggesting he could teach him how to pin an opponent in wrestling, but with an underlying sexual motive.
Burns told the young victim that the move would involve the boy performing it on him, and he even inquired about the size of the boy’s bedroom, hinting at potential privacy concerns or opportunities for inappropriate conduct.
Burns, a known wrestling enthusiast, also reached out to the boy’s parents in an attempt to establish trust, further complicating the grooming process.
During the exchanges, Burns advised the boy not to use the supposed wrestling move in the ring or to mention it to others, claiming he was not a qualified coach.
He also told the schoolboy, who was under 16 and described as vulnerable in court, that he could wear whatever he wanted—be it trousers, shorts, or even underwear—
