Keeli Burlingham

A couple from Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, have been convicted of multiple child sex offences following a prosecution led by Michael Scholes of Exchange Chambers. Peter Taylor and Keeli Burlingham targeted five young girls, subjecting them to sexual assaults and recording the abuse on their mobile phones. The case, which relied heavily on WhatsApp chats and phone messages between the defendants, exposed a pattern of downloading and sharing indecent images of children for personal gratification.

The investigation began after the pair were arrested for downloading 5,035 lurid pictures of youngsters from the internet, including 1,044 category A images—the most serious classification. Further probes revealed their direct involvement in far graver crimes, including arranging or facilitating child sex offences, inciting serious sexual offences against children under 13, and sexual assaults on children under 13. They were also convicted of taking, making, and distributing indecent photographs of children.

In his opening statement to the court, Michael Scholes described the defendants' activities: 'Throughout their relationship they downloaded indecent images of children for their personal sexual gratification. Taylor is a man who obtains sexual gratification from downloading such images. It is obvious he was the prime mover although it is clear from the chat logs we all had the dubious pleasure of having to consider that Keeli Burlingham also obtained sexual stimulation from viewing these images.' Taylor, identified as the primary instigator, stood trial for three weeks before conviction.

The sentencing took place in early 2020, with Taylor deemed a dangerous offender by the judge. He received an 18-year custodial sentence, comprising 15 years imprisonment plus a 3-year extended licence period. Burlingham, classified as an offender of particular concern, was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment plus a 1-year extended licence. Both defendants were ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and subjected to Sexual Harm Prevention Orders indefinitely. The case was handled under the jurisdiction of Greater Manchester Police, highlighting the role of digital evidence in uncovering such exploitation.