RAMSATEGE MAN ROBERT BURNS/DUNCAN SMITH SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a significant case heard at Canterbury Crown Court, Robert Burns, also known by the alias Duncan Robert Smith, was handed down a substantial extended prison sentence after admitting to possessing and distributing abhorrent images of children. The court proceedings revealed a troubling pattern of behavior that spanned several years, highlighting Burns' persistent engagement with illegal and morally reprehensible material.

Burns, aged 43 and residing on Wellington Crescent in Ramsgate, was found to have a long-standing history of accessing and viewing images depicting child abuse. The judge, Simon James, described Burns as having an “entrenched sexual preoccupation with children,” a statement that underscores the severity of his psychological and criminal profile. The court heard that Burns had committed three separate offenses related to the creation and dissemination of these vile images, which are considered among the most serious crimes involving child exploitation.

In sentencing, Judge James imposed a four-year term of immediate imprisonment. However, recognizing the gravity of Burns' repeated offenses and the potential ongoing risk he poses to the public, the judge added an additional two years to be served on licence following his release. This extended sentence reflects the judicial system’s concern about the possibility of recidivism and the need for continued supervision.

During the court hearing, it was disclosed that Burns had previously been subjected to an extended sentence in 2013 for similar offenses. Despite being under strict prohibitions designed to prevent access to indecent images, Burns had gone to considerable lengths to circumvent these restrictions, actively seeking out more material that reflected his “deep-seated distorted views.” The judge emphasized that Burns’ repeated actions and his admission of being sexually attracted to children demonstrated a troubling inability or unwillingness to change.

Judge James further stated that Burns’ failure to deviate from his distorted views indicates a continued risk to society. As a result, he ordered that Burns serve two-thirds of his four-year sentence—rather than the usual half—before being eligible for parole. The judge explicitly expressed the need to impose a sentence that would serve as a safeguard for the public, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from potential harm.

Detective Constable Katie Coleman, who led the investigation, commented on the case, saying, “Burns still hasn’t learnt his lesson despite previous convictions for similar offences and ongoing interventions. As such, he has now been sent back to prison for his offending. People like Burns who are sharing indecent images online forget that behind every image is a child who has been the victim of abuse. We will do everything within our power at Kent Police to ensure those committing these awful crimes are caught and brought to justice.”

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Kent to combat child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from online abuse and exploitation.