ROBERT BURNS FROM EVERTON SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN

In October 2021, Robert Burns, a man from Everton, was handed a substantial prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving young boys. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that has left lasting psychological scars on his victims.

Despite the gravity of his crimes, Burns, 61 years old, displayed a shocking lack of remorse and courage during the sentencing. The victims, all of whom had endured significant emotional trauma due to Burns’ actions, attended the hearing bravely to witness justice being served. However, Burns refused to appear in court from the cells, choosing instead to be sentenced in his absence. Judge Stuart Driver, QC, expressed his disappointment at Burns’ refusal to face his victims directly, stating, “He has not had the courage to come into court to face the truth and face his victims so he will be sentenced in his absence.”

It was brought to light that Burns had been transported from prison to Liverpool Crown Court for the sentencing. The court heard that he has a troubling criminal history, including convictions for indecent assault in 1990, sexual assault in March 2017, and violations related to failing to comply with Sexual Register notification requirements. The judge declared Burns a dangerous offender, emphasizing the severity of his conduct and the risk he poses to society.

Judge Driver imposed an extended five-year license period following his prison term, underscoring the ongoing risk Burns presents. The court noted that Burns had been convicted of a total of 15 sexual offences and six breaches of notification requirements. The pre-sentence report described his behavior as grooming and predatory, concluding that he poses a high risk of causing serious harm to children and the public. The judge concurred, stating, “He has shown no remorse, he has shown no insight into his behavior.”

Burns, who resides on Fishguard Close in Everton, was convicted after a trial of 12 offences of indecent assault committed against five boys aged between six and 15 years old. The court heard harrowing details of his abuse, including giving some victims alcohol beforehand, showering them with money and gifts, and exposing one of them to pornography. The abuse occurred over a period when the victims were between 13 and 15 years old.

During the sentencing, Judge Driver addressed the victims, who sat in the public gallery, praising their bravery and dignity. He stated, “All that remains is for me to praise the five men who are victims in this case for their courage in coming forward and for the dignity they have shown throughout the case.”

Prosecutor Martine Snowdon detailed the manipulative tactics Burns used, such as providing alcohol and gifts to his victims and exposing them to pornography, to facilitate his abuse. The court found Burns guilty of repeatedly abusing four of the boys, with one additional offence involving a fifth victim. The abuse spanned several years, with the victims now adults, two of whom were particularly affected by Burns’ actions.

As part of his sentence, Burns was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was also subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, ensuring ongoing restrictions and monitoring to protect the community from further harm.