Wycombe Wanderers has prohibited a former season ticket holder, Stephen Burnett, aged 66, of Rivets Close, Aylesbury, from Adams Park following his conviction for a paedophile child sex crimes.
Stephen Burnett, 66, received a two-year suspended sentence at Oxford Crown Court on May 22 for an offence committed in 2002.
Stephen Burnett, a season ticket holder at Wycombe Wanderers and a volunteer at Risborough Rangers, previously admitted to gross indecency with a girl under 16.
The incident involved him taking indecent photographs of the young girl and engaging in inappropriate behaviours in her presence while instructing her to assume various postures.
The court was informed that Stephen Burnett had proposed to facilitate the girl’s entry into modelling.
Wycombe Wanderers has acknowledged that Stephen Burnett’s season ticket was suspended immediately upon the emergence of the allegations.
The club has announced that the suspension will persist indefinitely following the sentencing.
Risborough Rangers also verified that Stephen Burnett had previously volunteered with the men’s first team, but had no association with the Juniors section.
A club statement read: “Following a recent social media post referencing the club in connection with a serious offence, we would like to take this opportunity to share the following information to provide clarity and reassurance.
“In February 2023, the Senior Club was informed by another local club of a potential police investigation for a sexual offence involving a child. Upon learning this, the club acted swiftly and responsibly by contacting Thames Valley Police to seek clarity. It was subsequently confirmed that Mr Stephen Burnett was indeed subject to an investigation.
“The Chairman of the Senior Club, Mr. Richard Woodward, met with representatives from Thames Valley Police, Buckinghamshire County Council, and the FA Safeguarding team. During this meeting, he was made aware of an allegation concerning a historical offence involving Mr Stephen Burnett.
“As a precaution, and in line with safeguarding best practices, the Chairman asked Mr Stephen Burnett to step back from all club activities while the investigation was ongoing. Mr Stephen Burnett cooperated with this request.
“We understand that reading a post of this nature may raise questions or concerns, particularly for parents and those involved in our teams, but we want to reassure all members that there has been no suggestion of any wrongdoing connected to the club itself and the safety and well-being of everyone involved in our club remains our highest priority.”
The club added that there is ‘no indication’ that Stephen Burnett’s crimes had any connection to the club.
The 66-year-old’s crimes came to light when they were reported to police in 2022, leading to his arrest on July 6 that year.
He was charged on January 24 last year and pleaded guilty on March 17.
Stephen Burnett pleaded guilty to one count of gross indecency with a girl under 16 in a hearing at Oxford Crown Court on 17 March this year.
Returning to the same court on Thursday (22/5), Burnett was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.
Stephen Burnett was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, given a curfew for six months where he must remain indoors between 7pm and 7am, and was ordered to attend 15 rehabilitation sessions.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Aimee Stein, from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “This sentence brings some justice to the victim and her family following an intense investigation and a long wait for a conclusion from court.”
The brave survivor of Stephen Burnett, abused by him as a young girls 23 years ago said:
“For so long, I have had to battle with the fact that people have admired and looked up to him.
“I just hope that this gives people belief in the justice system, and although he didn’t get sent to prison, this is still justice for me.
“The fact that everyone knows is justice for me, because it’s the impact it will have on his life.
“The worst bit for me was that he continued to live his life, and I knew he was doing all these things as I was being told.
“It’s like he had this image where everyone knew him as a helpful family man.
“I do feel relieved that it is now in the public eye, and people will know he is a risk to the community and children.”
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