Man Imprisoned for Sexual Assaults on Young Girls

Stephen Burrows, also known as Marc, 47, residing at Fitkin Court, Redhouse, Swindon, Wiltshire, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for historical sexual assaults against children, some as young as eight years old. He was convicted of these offenses following a trial in August. The charges included two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, assault by penetration, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity, with his sentencing taking place at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday. Burrows committed these offenses between 1999 and 2012, exploiting his victims while he was staying in their residences. While in his 20s, he assaulted his first victim, who was between eight and 10 years old at the time, specifically when she woke for a drink in the early morning. His second victim was assaulted on two separate occasions when she was aged between 10 and 12 years old. A statement from one of the victims was presented in court, which read: “It shouldn’t need to be said, but no child should have to go through what I did.“I feel like my whole life was taken from me at that moment when this adult decided to do what he did to me as a child.“I feel that the man who did this to me should get what he deserves – the passage of time doesn’t change anything for me and I feel as strongly as I did the day it happened.” In a separate statement, another victim conveyed: “Mark’s decision all those years ago has affected my life in many different ways.”He didn’t just take my childhood, but he has impacted my relationship with other people.”He’s taken my self worth, confidence and made me feel incapable of being loved.” Detective Sergeant Chris Hughes commented that Burrows had “manipulated” the two girls during their childhood, when they were “just children.” Hughes stated: “As adults, years after the abuse had stopped, they found the courage to report what happened to them to the police.” He added, “I would like to commend them for their bravery in coming forward and for their conduct throughout this trial.” Det Sgt Hughes further emphasized that it was “never too late to report child sexual abuse” and urged anyone who experienced abuse as a child to contact the police. For updates, BBC Wiltshire can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted via email or through WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s policy on external linking is available.