Andrew Burke, 60, from Cardiff, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for multiple sexual offences, including rape and violence against a child. The sentencing took place at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, 3 October.
Burke was found guilty of rape, indecent assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, taking an indecent photo of a child, and assaulting a girl under 13 by touching. In addition to his prison sentence, Burke is subject to a 30-year restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Detective Constable Victoria Howe from South Wales Police said: “I would like to thank everyone who assisted in this case to help secure justice for the victims. Throughout the investigation and court case the victims have been amazingly strong. I hope this sentencing gives them some comfort and helps them to move forward.”
The victims courageously shared the impact of Burke’s crimes in their Victim Personal Statements:
When he raped me I felt humiliated, violated and dirty. How can one person do so many disgusting, violating things? It broke me as a person…. He is a monster… He doesn’t deserve to get away with what he’s done. He’s a sick and twisted person.
You abused me physically, mentally and emotionally and you took my dignity, trust and innocence. I’m stuck in skin that has been violated, a body that cannot escape a feeling that has haunted me…
You ruined a little girl’s innocence. I was just so young and didn’t know what to do when you did what you did to me. You ruined me and I can’t go out without feeling uncomfortable because of you.
