27 Years on the Run: The Two Lives of Richard Burrows
A Likeable Chap
He was “well-liked” with a “wide circle of friends”.
Peter Smith made a mark in Phuket, since arriving there in the late 1990’s from the UK.
An English teacher and entrepreneur, Smith often socialised with “local hoi polloi, police and respected community leaders” at media events and product launches.
But in recent years, the 80–year-old Smith had fallen on hard times. His health was in decline and so were his finances. He lived in a shipping container near the Phuket Zoo.
Smith decided to return to England to live out his last years. Mates threw him a farewell bash.
On 28 March, 2024, Peter Smith landed at London’s Heathrow airport after nearly 30 years abroad.
He was immediately arrested.
A Dark Past
Peter Smith is in fact Richard Burrows, an alleged paedophile who fled the UK to avoid trial.
Between 1969 and 1971, Burrows allegedly indecently assaulted a number of children, with some acts taking place at a Cheshire children’s home.
Further inappopriate contact between Burrows and minors is alleged to have taken place between 1971 and 1981 in the West Midlands.
The onetime scoutmaster was eventually charged. He jumped bail to avoid trial in 1997. A year later, Burrows was featured on the BBC Crimewatch programme in an effort to bring him to justice.
He made his way to Thailand, where the fugitive reinvented himself, teaching English and running a successful sales business.
Eluding Justice
How was Richard John Ramsay Burrows able to flee England and make his way to Southeast Asia?
It’s believed Burrows stole the passport of the real Peter Smith, who may not have noticed. It’s also been rumoured Burrows arrived in Thailand by yacht.
Burrows was somehow able to renew Smith’s passport. The Thai government presumably granted numerous visas allowing him to remain and work.
Britain’s National Crime Agency has International Liaison Officers (ILOs) stationed abroad. It’s remarkable Burrows stayed under the radar for so long, despite being well-known in Phuket.
The NCA took credit for Burrow’s capture, with an ILO stating ‘we have been able to track down a fugitive wanted in connection to extremely serious allegations.’
‘This arrest demonstrates law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to hunt down those who await justice in the UK.’
After 27 years on the run, Burrows will finally answer the state’s charges he inappopriately assaulted 11 children. The surviving alleged victims will finally have a chance to face the defendant in court.
You can’t outrun your past.
