Swindon man jailed for non-recent sexual assaults on children
The offences happened between 1999 and 2012.
A man from Swindon's been jailed for non-recent sexual assaults on children.
The offences happened between 1999 and 2012.
47 year-old Stephen Burrows, of Fitkin Court, Redhouse, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on October 24
He was found guilty after a trial in August of various sexual offences.
Burrows took advantage of his victims when staying in their homes.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison - and once released will have an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
In a statement read out in court one of Burrows' victim's said: “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.”
His other victim said in a statement: "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 said: “The survivors of these assaults were just children when they were sexually abused by Stephen Burrows, who manipulated them both for his own sexual gratification.
“As adults, years after the abuse had stopped, they found the courage to report what happened to them to the police.
“I would like to commend them for their bravery in coming forward and for their conduct throughout this trial.
"Burrows' conviction will not reverse the damage he has done, but I hope that they are able to start moving forward.
“It’s never too late to report child sexual abuse. I encourage anyone who was abused as a child to tell police. Reports of non-recent abuse are handled by officers who are specially trained in supporting victims and dealing with such sensitive cases.”