02 April 2024 , 15:11
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An 80-year-old man who has been on the run for almost three decades has been arrested after returning to the UK from Thailand, police have said.
Richard Burrows had failed to attend the start of his trial over alleged child sex offences at Chester Crown Court in 1997.
Cheshire Police said Mr Burrows was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Thursday.
It said the charges relate to alleged child abuse between 1969 and 1971.
The force said extensive appeals had been made for information on Mr Burrows’ whereabouts, including one on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme in 1998.
It added that some of the offences were alleged to have occurred at a children’s home in Cheshire and others were said to have happened in the West Midlands.
Mr Burrows faced 13 counts, including 11 of indecent assault and two of a serious sexual offence, at Chester Crown Court earlier.
He was remanded in custody and is due to face a further hearing on 21 June, ahead of a trial in January 2025.
Det Insp Eleanor Atkinson said his arrest was a "significant step forward" in the case.
"I also hope that his arrest acts as a warning to any other wanted suspects, demonstrating that no matter how long you hide, we will find you and you will be arrested," she added.
The force said it had worked with the National Crime Agency (NCA) to secure the arrest.
The NCA said it had identified Mr Burrows was living in Thailand and planned to catch a flight to the UK, which meant Cheshire officers could arrest him at the airport.