'Manipulative' man guilty of child sexual abuse

Wiltshire Police have commended the bravery of the victims who came forward

A man found guilty of non-recent sexual assaults on children "manipulated" his victims, police have said.

Stephen Burrows (also known as Marc), 47, of Fitkin Court, Redhouse, Swindon was found guilty of multiple child sex offences between 2001 and 2012, including two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13.

Wiltshire Police commended the victims for their bravery and conduct during the trial.

Burrows was found guilty at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday and has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on 27 September.

'Courage of victims'

He was also found guilty of indecent assault, assault by penetration and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Det Sgt Chris Hughes said Burrows had manipulated the victims "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," he added.

"Burrow's conviction will not reverse the damage he has done, but I hope that they are able to start moving forward."

Wiltshire Police said people who wanted to report report child sexual abuse even many years after it happened should do so.

Det Sgt Hughes said reports are handled by specially-trained officers used to handling sensitive cases.