Zabien Burns

A man and a woman have been sentenced to life imprisonment for a series of heinous sexual crimes against a child, described by authorities as 'abominable' and 'despicable'. Zabien Burns, 34, from Arlington Road in London, was convicted after an eight-day trial at which he pleaded not guilty to ten offences. The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on all counts, including two counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, three counts of making indecent images of children, and causing the sexual exploitation of a child.

The court heard that Burns and his co-offender filmed themselves as they carried out the abuse over a prolonged period. The victim, described as too young to understand the nature of the offences, was purposefully targeted. Burns received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years and eight months. He will serve the remainder of his life on licence and be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely. Additionally, a lifelong sexual harm prevention order was imposed to restrict his future behaviour.

Detective Constable Annabel Devall from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit commented on the case's severity: 'This is one of the most horrific and despicable cases I have ever worked on where a child, one of the most vulnerable people in our society, has been subjected to abominable sexual abuse over a prolonged period.' She emphasised the lasting trauma inflicted not only on the victim but also on their family, noting that the offences were 'disgusting and heinous'.

The sentencing took place on 28 January 2025, following the trial. The case was handled by Humberside Police, whose officers were commended for their diligence in protecting vulnerable community members. The mother's statement after the hearing underscored the profound impact: 'There are no words for the heinous actions of Hill and Burns, and the impact that it has had, and will continue to have, on our family is immeasurable. I am sickened to the core, and the effect this has had can only be described as soul destroying.'