SEAN COLLINS AND HIS SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENDING IN BURNLEY AND LANCASHIRE
A man named Sean Collins, previously known under the alias Shaun Greenwood, has been sentenced to an additional 12 years in prison after a series of heinous sexual offenses committed in Lancashire.Collins, who is already serving a life sentence for three separate counts of rape against three different victims back in 2006, now faces extended incarceration following new convictions.
The recent legal proceedings stem from a case involving a fourth victim — a woman who had initially chosen to remain silent.
In 2006, this woman, who was then a schoolgirl, reached out in a handwritten letter to a retired Detective Sergeant of Lancashire Police.
In her correspondence, she detailed how her life had been profoundly altered by Collins’ sexual misconduct.
Despite her detailed account, she was not ready at that time to formally report the crime, perhaps due to fear, shame, or trauma.
Decades later, in 2020, the victim was contacted again as part of ongoing police investigations.
At that point, authorities confirmed that Collins, a man who used to perform as a busker in Burnley, had sexually abused her on multiple occasions when she was under 16.
The abuse had such a lasting impact that she required counselling years later to cope with recurring nightmares and emotional distress.
Collins, aged 58 and reportedly of no fixed address, faced charges of rape.
He vehemently denied any wrongdoing throughout the trial.
However, after a thorough examination of evidence and testimonies at Burnley Crown Court, he was found guilty of 11 counts of rape along with one count of indecent assault.
The severity of his crimes led to the imposition of a significant prison sentence.
On August 17, Collins was officially sentenced to serve an additional 12 years behind bars.
The court stipulation states that he must serve at least two-thirds of this prison term before becoming eligible to apply for parole.
Even then, he will have to demonstrate convincingly that he no longer poses a threat to the public before he can be released.
Detective Constable Kyle Hazelaar, a representative of the East MOSOVO (Management of Sexual or Violent Offender) Team, commented on the case.
He described Collins as a "dangerous individual who carried out a sickening campaign of sexual violence against women over many years." Hazelaar expressed satisfaction that Collins’ time in custody has now been extended further, emphasizing the deliberate and predatory nature of his crimes.
Hazelaar also highlighted the emotional toll inflicted upon victims, noting that Collins’ actions forced victims to relive their trauma during court proceedings.
The detective praised the resilience and bravery of the victim involved in this latest case, acknowledging her strength in coming forward after such a long time.
Furthermore, Hazelaar speculated that there may be other victims who have not yet come forward, urging anyone with information or experiences of abuse to contact the police.
He assured potential victims that Lancashire Police are committed to investigating all allegations, regardless of how much time has passed, and will pursue justice relentlessly.
In a heartfelt statement, the victim expressed her gratitude toward the law enforcement officers who supported her—from the initial investigation to the trial’s conclusion.
She urged other victims of sexual violence, whether recent or historic, to have the courage to report their experiences, emphasizing that justice is still possible even after many years.
Additionally, Collins has previously been mandated to register as a sex offender for life, underscoring the long-term consequences of his criminal behaviour.
