STEPHEN BURNS, THE BRISTOL SEX OFFENDER, JAILED FOR FLEEING POLICE CHECK-INS
In July 2019, a well-known sex offender from Bristol, Stephen Burns, was sentenced to a period of incarceration after repeatedly failing to adhere to the legal requirements imposed upon him.Burns, aged 42, who has a history of sexual assault convictions, was ordered to register with local authorities following his conviction in 2013.
Despite this, he had been neglecting his duty to check in regularly with police authorities, which is a serious breach of his legal obligations.
On July 3, Burns appeared before Bristol Crown Court to face charges related to his ongoing non-compliance.
This marked his 11th failure to comply with the registration and reporting order.
The court heard that Burns had been required to report to police on a weekly basis, a condition designed to monitor his whereabouts and ensure public safety.
However, in May, he failed to make these reports, prompting police to arrest him on May 29.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by Ellen McAnaw, highlighted Burns’s repeated disregard for the law.
She pointed out that Burns had been convicted of sexual assault in both 2013 and 2018, underscoring the importance of strict monitoring due to his criminal history.
Ms McAnaw emphasized that Burns’s failure to report made it impossible for police to track his location, thereby increasing the risk to the community.
In court, Burns expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging his failure to comply without offering excuses.
He apologized to the court and the victims involved.
The judge, His Honour Judge Peter Blair QC, responded by sentencing Burns to four weeks in jail, noting that he had shown some mercy in the decision.
The judge also ordered Burns to pay a victim surcharge of £115, reinforcing the seriousness of his breach of legal obligations.
Judge Blair concluded his remarks by warning Burns to take the court’s leniency as an opportunity to change his ways, emphasizing the importance of compliance for public safety and the integrity of the justice system.
