ZABIEN BURNS FROM HULL SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

A disturbing case involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of a vulnerable child has culminated in the conviction and sentencing of Zabien Burns, a 34-year-old man from Arlington Road in London, who was linked to Hull through the investigation. The heinous acts, which included filming the abuse, were carried out over an extended period and involved a young girl who was subjected to unimaginable cruelty.

According to court proceedings, Burns was accused of committing ten separate offences. These included two counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, three counts of making indecent images of children, and one charge of causing the sexual exploitation of a child. Despite his denial of these charges, a jury at Hull Crown Court found him guilty of all counts. The judge sentenced Burns to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 16 years and eight months before he is eligible for parole. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was issued a lifelong sexual harm prevention order to restrict his future conduct.

In a separate but related case, Bethany Hill, aged 26 and residing on Boulevard in Hull, pleaded guilty to eight offences, including two counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, arranging the commission of a child sex offence, and causing the sexual exploitation of a child. Hill received a sentence of eight years and four months in prison. Like Burns, she will be on the sex offenders register for life and is subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.

The investigation that uncovered these crimes was initiated after authorities seized phones belonging to Burns during an investigation into violence directed at Hill. During the forensic analysis, investigators discovered hundreds of images and several videos depicting Burns and Hill repeatedly abusing the young girl. It was revealed that Hill was actively involved in filming the abuse, holding the camera as the acts took place. Prosecutor Kama Melly KC explained to the court that the abuse was documented through these recordings, which ultimately led to the charges and convictions.

The victim’s mother expressed her profound shock and heartbreak over the case. She stated, “I never thought something so sickening would happen to my family. Their actions have sickened me to the core. It made me feel completely numb. It was a big, horrible shock.” She described her feelings of rage and anger towards the perpetrators, emphasizing the ongoing mental toll the case has taken on her. “What has happened is constantly on my mind. I sometimes find it incredibly difficult to sleep. My brain always seems to be going at 1,000 miles an hour,” she added.

Addressing Burns and Hill directly, she said, “There are no words to describe what you two are. What you did was vile and cruel.” After the sentencing, she further commented, “Hill and Burns are vile and cruel. They took my trust and broke it in the most monstrous way by doing something that no person should be capable of.”

Judge Richard Woolfall presided over the case and remarked on Hill’s active participation in Burns’ abuse, describing her as “fully engaging” in the criminal acts. He condemned Burns for his “serious and depraved offending,” emphasizing the gravity of the crimes committed.

Detective Constable Annabel Devall of Humberside Police described the case as one of the most horrific she has encountered. She stated, “This is one of the most horrific and despicable cases I have ever worked on where a child, one of the most vulnerable people in our society, has been subjected to abominable sexual abuse over a prolonged period.” She highlighted the profound impact on the victim’s family and urged anyone who might have been a victim or knows someone who has experienced similar abuse to come forward and report it to the police. The police remain committed to protecting children and bringing offenders to justice, emphasizing that such crimes are utterly unacceptable and will be pursued relentlessly.