Christopher Burns 72

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A predator has today been jailed for sexually abusing a young girl when she was just nine years old.

Christopher Burns, now 72, was in his mid to late 40s when he targeted the child. In 2021, the victim felt she was ready to disclose what that had happened to her as a child and a police investigation was launched.

Following enquiries by specially trained detectives from the force’s CAVA Unit (Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults), he was arrested and charged in connection with the incidents.

Burns, from Guisborough, denied his crimes however putting the victim through the trauma of a trial. On 26th March 2026, he was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault of a girl under the age of 14 offences at Teesside Crown Court.

He was immediately remanded into custody and appeared at the same court on Monday 15th June where he was sentenced to seven years in prison with one year on extended licence.

Burns is now on the Sex Offender’s Register for life and has been made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to protect other vulnerable children and the victim.

Speaking after sentencing, officer in the case Detective Constable Wini Hind said:

“Burns was a respected member of the community who took advantage of a vulnerable child for his own deprived sexual gratification.

“I am pleased with the sentence given to Burns today. This, along with being placed on the Sex Offender’s Register and being made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), will protect his victim and the most vulnerable members of our society from his predatory behaviour.

“My thoughts remain with the victim and her family as they continue to rebuild their lives, and I hope they will find solace in this sentence. They have shown incredible courage and strength to report these crimes. This sentence reassures them they were believed, their voice has been heard, and justice has now been served.”