Robert Burns

Robert Burns, a 68-year-old man from Lancaster, was involved in a serious breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) after being caught selling toys at a car boot sale in Bilsborrow near Garstang. The incident came to light when staff at the outdoor market grew suspicious of his activities and alerted Lancashire Police.

Burns, who had a lengthy criminal record dating back to 1976 with 53 offences, including at least nine sex offences involving children, was subject to an SHPO that prohibited him from any contact with children under 16. Despite a clear warning from police during a routine check in July 2024 that operating a toy stall would violate the order due to inevitable interactions with children, Burns persisted. Over a two-month period, he regularly attended the Bilsborrow car boot sale, jointly running a stall with another convicted sex offender who lived with him. The stall sold items appealing to children, such as books, Lego, and building blocks, and the pair arrived in separate cars to avoid detection.

Prosecutor Hanifa Patel described the breach as 'very serious and persistent,' noting that Burns had been explicitly advised against continuing and was even confronted by a woman who helped run the sale. She highlighted concerns over Burns' behaviour towards a seven-year-old boy who frequently visited the site to assist on a relative's pitch. The boy would wander the site, engaging in conversations with Burns and his associate, and on one occasion, Burns gave the child a bag containing golf balls, tees, and other items. The woman, feeling 'extremely uneasy' after the boy referred to Burns as his 'friend' while waiting at the entrance, banned the men from selling toys and befriending children. A pre-sentence report accused Burns of attempting to groom the boy.

At Preston Crown Court, Burns pleaded guilty to the breach. His defence barrister, Lewis Hazeldine, argued that contact with the boy was limited to two brief occasions, disputing the two-month duration alleged in the charge. Recorder Ayesha Siddiqi adjourned the sentencing hearing until 16 March 2026 for a 'trial of issue' to assess the extent of Burns' interactions with the boy before determining the penalty. Meanwhile, Burns' associate was arrested and sentenced to 20 months in prison in October 2025 for a similar breach. Ms Patel emphasised that, although no further offences arose, the actions posed a significant risk, especially given the involvement of two sex offenders at a child-frequented event.

The case was reported by the Blackpool Gazette on 8 January 2026, based on proceedings at Preston Crown Court. Lancashire Police conducted the investigation following reports from the car boot staff.