Tom Burrows

A 43-year-old father from Essex has been jailed after using a deceptive online profile to entice a vulnerable woman from Shropshire into a sexual encounter under false pretences. Tom Burrows, masquerading as 'Celine, 27', targeted the woman in her 20s from Wellington, Shropshire, via a dating site in May 2020. The scheme involved grooming her with promises of a relationship, only to reveal his true intentions once she arrived at his home.

Prosecutor John Brotherton outlined the case at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday, November 7, 2025. Burrows initiated contact with the woman, who did not drive, and offered to have her 'father' – himself – collect her from Telford and transport her to Essex for a meeting with 'Celine'. Conversations escalated to include suggestions of sexual involvement with 'Celine's father' to 'cheer him up', to which the complainant reluctantly agreed, believing it part of the arrangement.

On May 18, 2020, Burrows drove from Chelmsford, Essex, to Wellington to pick up the woman. The journey involved stops for comfort breaks and to purchase alcohol. Upon arriving at his home, they began drinking, and messages from 'Celine' encouraged the woman to initiate sexual contact with Burrows. She kissed him, but later noticed him using his phone whenever 'Celine' messaged her, leading to the realisation that he was operating both personas. The woman was left traumatised by the sinister deception.

The court heard how Burrows's actions exploited the woman's vulnerability, drawing her over 150 miles under false pretences. West Mercia Police investigated the matter, leading to Burrows's arrest and subsequent trial. Judge [name not specified] sentenced him to imprisonment, emphasising the manipulative nature of the offence. This case highlights the dangers of online dating scams involving sexual exploitation.