Jack Burrows, 20, of Dawson Avenue in St Helens, was sentenced to 35 months in a young offenders' institute at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday for sexually assaulting a primary school-aged girl. The attack occurred in May 2023 when Burrows was 16 years old. He had consumed three to four cans of Strongbow Dark Fruit cider but was not considered drunk at the time.
Victim's statement reveals lasting trauma
Prosecutor Gerry Baxter read a victim impact statement in which the girl said: 'Since this happened, I don't want to trust anyone and I am wary of getting to know people. I'm scared something will happen to me again.' The court heard that the assault left her 'too scared to say anything' at the time.
Defence highlights defendant's youth and positive steps
Tom Watson, defending, noted that Burrows had no prior convictions and had been living responsibly since the offence. He said: 'Even as a 20-year-old, now, he is still nowhere near full maturity. The court is dealing with a young man for what he did as a 16-year-old.' Watson added that Burrows had held a full-time job, lived with his parents, and was in a stable relationship. He also cared for his grandparents with health problems.
Judge acknowledges positives but imposes immediate custody
Judge David Swinnerton acknowledged Burrows' stable background and lack of further offending but ruled that the offence demanded immediate detention. He said: 'Offences like this are taken very seriously indeed. The ripple effect, in terms of the damage caused, is huge.' Burrows was sentenced to 35 months in a young offenders' institute.
Additional orders and police comment
Burrows was also handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, a restraining order banning contact with the victim for a decade, and was required to sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely. Detective Constable Lauren Baker of Merseyside Police said: 'This was an extremely serious offence, it's only right that Burrows will now spend time at a young offenders' institution.' She urged victims of sexual abuse to report to police or partner agencies for support.
