Rapist jailed for life
Thursday 26th May 2011, 2:31PM BST.
RAPIST Filipe Burton has been jailed for life.
He had entered guilty pleas to one count of rape and two of attempted rape when he appeared in the Royal Court in March this year.
Nineteen-year-old Burton (pictured) admitted raping a woman on 17 July last year at Forest Lane, St Peter Port, and attempting to rape another woman at Amherst Road, St Peter Port, on 31 July.
He denied raping yet another woman on 28 August at Forest Lane but pleaded guilty to the alternative of attempted rape.
- More on this story in Friday’s Guernsey Press
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A result!
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It doesn’t specify in this article what they mean by “life”, so what actually is his sentence? Life rarely means life in the wierd world of law. It could mean 10 years, 15 years, 20 years.
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Does anyone know what “Life” actually means in Guernsey????
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To ‘bored of you lot’ and your comment “Does anyone know what ‘Life’ actually means in Guernsey????”
I will ignore the overkill on the question marks for now. If the life sentence is anything like the sentence handed down in the UK, then it is indiscriminate. That is, it has no set time. If he continues to be a bit of ninny in prison then he will continue to stay in prison. However if he behaves himself then I would assume a parole board would occasionally look at his sentence and consider the possibility of parole if he has been behaving himself.
So yes, it does look as if someone knows what ‘life’ means.
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according to the radio he wont be even considered for parole for 30 years as he is likely to re-offend
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Cheers Robin…..!!!? ha.
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To add to @Robin’s sensible post. Should he ever be given parole he will be released from prison ‘On Licence’ He has no right to freedom and simply lives on licence in the community. Such licence can, and will be revoked, should he offend again in any way; a fight in a pub, shoplifting, making threats, missing probation appointments. He’ll be back inside and it’ll take a minimum of 5 years to find his way back out again.
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@ Robin – I think you mean ‘indeterminate’ – without end – until the end of his life. HOWEVER, in England the Judge will set a ‘minimum term’ after which the prisoner is considered for parole. The average sentence for rape in the UK is now 8 years – a year and a half more than that for manslaughter.
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re: @bored Of You Lot. ‘Life’ in Guernsey most likely has the same despicable meaning as’life’ anywhere else, and we who are law-abiding decent living citizens are sick to the stomache of the pathetic penalties handed out by courts and judges throughout the western world. Where I live, two young male ‘animals’ beat up, multiply raped, and slowly murdered a young woman. For murdering the poor woman these two putrid animals have been given a ‘life’ sentence, namely 10 years without the opportunity of parole. The distraught Father of the young woman cried out for the death penalty for both of these animals, but nothing doing! How much more can decent people take?
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So if he does come out and “offends” in any way,say Rape’s one or more women then he will be sent back immediately, but unfortunately poor consolation for the victims.
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so if he has to serve life for rape ,why does pedophiles only serve may be 8 years let alone if you murder someone you only get around 10 years !! but if you do drugs then it a harsh sentence also it dnt make sence at all if you do the crime you should fairly suffer the fate,those poor girls have suffered and still will for a very long time most dont even get over the wrong doing that this mindless idiot has done !! yet radio says in court he has said he will reaffend if he is parrolled what an idiot !!lock the door throw away the key !!!!!!!
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Great result and i do hope the poor victims will gain a bit of comfort from this to help them trough.
I just hope he finds every day as distressing as those he cared nothing for.
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Channel TV reports:
“In sentencing, Judge Russell Finch said at the Royal Court, there was ‘a highly significant risk of [Burton] reoffending against adult female strangers’ and said he should only be released when no longer a danger to women and even then only on licence with supervision.”
Sounds like he will be in a long time….
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Expat80 – As described in the posts above by Robin and Flying Scot, a life sentence is always for the rest of the life of the convicted person – it is just that not all of it will be spent behind bars.
In the case you mention (which I assume is in the UK), it sounds as if the criminals were given a life sentence which involved a minimum of 10 years in prison. As mentioned above, their time in prison could end up being a lot more than that and they would always be at risk of being sent back once they are out on licence.
You sound surprised that the requests for the death penalty were ignored. Why?
It sounds as if they were given the maximum sentence, since in the UK you rarely hear a judge stating a minimum of more than 10 years. You cannot say whether it is a “pathetic penalty” or not since it is not limited to the 10 years that is reported. 10 years is a long time and the judge knows that if the guys are not reformed characters by that time that they will stay behind bars. Bear in mind that if it was not a life sentence, that same recommendation would translate to a 20 year sentence – in some ways that sounds more severe doesn’t it?
In this case, a minimum of 30 years confirms that Guernsey is still stricter than the UK is these areas.
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This extremely nasty piece of work will continue to pose a serious danger to society as long as the animalistic driving force behind his despicable crimes remains. So when eventually he is considered for release from prison why not make it conditional on him agreeing to undergo permanent castration – chemical or otherwise?
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I presume he’ll do his time in Guernsey as this is where his family lives?
Has anyone else ever done a life sentence in Guernsey?
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Well said Martino, and lets hope he has a very long and difficult time inside, because those poor girls will NEVER EVER be able to forget what he did, their lives have now changed for ever Plus we all are paying for him either in UK or Guernsey jail, may he rot in hell and just hope that Guernsey law keeps cracking down on such vile lowlifes, dont let him out ever
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In some countries of course, sexual offenders have to have a clinical castration too. What a good idea!
Whilst in the UK the politicians are talking about reducing sentences if sexual offenders admit to their crime.
Of course their sentence is about 9 years currently, so they could reduce it to 4 years if they admit it.
make it clinical castration – save time and money and stop the chance of re-offending.
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Ray,
With regards to where he’d serve his sentence, it could be in the UK.
I know Craig Rouget (the guy who murdered James Dean) was sent to a prison in the UK. Seeing as rape is up there with the most serious crimes, then Filipe would probably be sent to the UK.
I’m not sure how well rapists go down in the UK with fellow prisoners, one assumes not very…
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With all the restrictions put on us by The States and limited access and egress to and from the island Guernsey IS a life sentence.
He`ll just be doing his time without paying anything for his food and housing.
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gkad this malevolent individual got what he deserved and justice has been done for the poor women whom he has traumatised and scarred emotioanlly people like this should be dealt with more harshly more often!
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yes nocon hewill be sponsered by us in law abiding
tax paying (working) members of the public in Les Ncolles hotel like the rest of the scum in there.Just a quick question is rape a worse crime than tryin to kill 2 people in a premeditated attack like that woman last year who only got 7 years. Sentences are a joke if he got life that should mean life.
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This is the monster modern day guernsey has created today
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Better late than never but may I be the first to say, well done the Police. They took a lot of stick during the investigation.
Yet despite a hoaxer making it difficult for them they got the right man. Credit where credits due, a job well done.
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I’m not sure about the castration part. It does sound justifiable in some way but feel that although he would be broken, it wouldn’t be enough. They should be branded on the forehead and lose the hands also.
I know that no force on earth would stop me if my little girl was raped. He wouldn’t make it to court. It angers me that these ‘human’ beings are still given their chances.
However, I know deep down that vengeance isn’t the answer and that I’d lose a little bit more of my humanity for the above view if it ever came to pass.
Why should we (society) become butchers also? I know some people can’t/won’t ever be rehabilitated, but it’s not justice if we lower to that level.
Life behind bars with no chance of parole, is ok. Might not make me feel 100% better about it, but it would rest easier on my conscience.
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Good outcome.
It does baffle me though – rape grown women= life, rape children =8 years.
Chemical castration? Would it work when the prime motivation for rape/sexual abuse is power not sex? Still its a good start.
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Yes pbfalla modern monsters, but that is all over the world of today.
At least the Guernsey justice system has showed the monsters Guernsey will not tolerate such crimes.
Also the police should be commended for catching the scum, they can only be pleased that for once the law has not been a ass and this time justice has been dished out correctly.
WELL DONE Guernsey Police at least you were rewarded with a sentence that fits the crime.
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He won’t do his time in Guernsey, as soon as he is 21 he will be shipped out, probably to Isle of Wight (Parkhurst) where he will no doubt endure upon himself what he has put upon to other. Now that is true justice…
This sentence is the first sensible outcome of a case like this I have ever seen, and may it be the new standard.
To Girl A, B and C I hope you all have some comfort in the knowledge that he will pay for his crimes against you. We’re all thinking of you.
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my cousin was killed coming up to 5 years an his killer didnt get this sentence ok i know rape is bad dont get me wrong but i feel like the courts here need to sort it out.
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The one thing that people seem to have missed is that he could possibly be accused of attempted murder, one thing that has not been mentioned and which is a BIG issue is that what happens if he is found to be carrying HIV and has passed it on without knowing. Presumably this has been tested for with the poor victims ?
Lets be honest , a rapist is hardly going to attack someone and say to them “would you mind holding on a minute while I get a condom?”.
The sentence justifies the crime perfectly
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Congratulations and good job to the police and justice system for once over here.
Hopefully those three women can take a little comfort knowing he’s locked away like the animal he is.
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i believe that life in Guernsey actually means life, hence why they send the serious offenders to the UK so they can get out on good behaviour after a few years!!
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i agree with you guernsey.c.i if you kill you dont get this kind of sentence next time if someone decide to do this offense kill them 2 i bet you wont get a life sentence…
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The last few people to be prosecuted for rape over her got about 6 years, why didn’t they get life too like this scumbag?
The Court’s sentencing is a (very bad) joke, inconsistent and bears no relation to the seriousness of the crime. Import cannabis and get 9 years, kill your mother and get 7. Abuse children and get anything from a slapped wrist to a few years, bring in some Es and get 13 years. The Court consists of doddery old upper-middle class types with little idea of modern society, a big shake up is required.
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Phil I think you missed the point. This scum bag is a threat to the community.
Remember this was 1 rape and 2 attempted rape on the higher scale.
If he had not been caught it would of carried on , which may have been attempted murder or murder as he is a very violent individual .
Also the sentence was based on the fact he is a repeated rapist.
Each and every individual case is different , ie Drugs import to make a quick buck.
I think the scum bag has got what is deserved for his disgusting crimes.
My only wish is that some do-gooder does not let him go to early because the consequences this could have is unthinkable.
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This was reported on in Jersey and the article stated that The judge said “you will be locked away until you are no longer considered a threat to women”
I don’t know about Guernsey but in Jersey it’s a simple formula to work out how long “life” will be..
He pleaded guilty + young offender + good behaviour in prison = him getting parole and saying he’s sorry and being out within 5 years…
I don’t have much faith in the justice system, especially when it comes to these sorts of crimes – still at least he pleaded guilty! Otherwise chances are he would have got away with it…
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Reading the press report today what I found disturbing was the fact that one victim said she did not want to go to the police because she thought she might in some way be responsible. We have to ask what it is in society that would make her have this idea?
Unfortunately, all too often society [and juries] support the notion that the victim is somehow to blame for being raped thus perpetuating this myth. Even in this case, it was reported that the victim had consumed alcohol. Of what relevance is this?
I hope that the severity of the sentencing will also go some way to starting to dismantle the notion that a woman is ever, in any way or to any degree, to blame for her rape.
The poster who said that rape is about power not sex is right.
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Sentencing is odd here in Guernsey. Although the penalties for class B/C drugs are considered too high by some, so it seems the penalty for rape in this case was harsh, so fair enough in that respect. Personally I think rape is way up the scale with murder itself because a lot of girls never fully recover from serious sexual attacks, a life for a life if you will.
And Robin… your patronising remarks are as unwelcome as your poor attempt at complex grammar. Refer back to your thesaurus, there’s a good boy.
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@bored of you lot
I understand that the max term served in our local prison is 18 months, regardless of age. Sentencees on the whole here have minumum detailment. Whether this has anything to do with the facilities at the prison, or the overall expertise of the wardens, I know not. The severity of his crime will be taken into account and he will as a result be shipped off to a high security prison in UK.
My concern, aided by some minor professional knowledge of the UK system is that he will not for one reason or another, be detained for the prescribed period. He could be out in say, 10 years, maybe less. Whilst in prison he will be party to inmates with similar sentences and information.
Once released he will probably be tagged and live in a UK hostel under supervision, if the funding allows for this necessity, again with open access to other parolees, and will learn all sorts of skills, some of which could entail finding his way back here.
Daunting prospect, isn’t it?
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”
The Court’s sentencing is a (very bad) joke, inconsistent and bears no relation to the seriousness of the crime. Import cannabis and get 9 years, kill your mother and get 7. Abuse children and get anything from a slapped wrist to a few years, bring in some Es and get 13 years. The Court consists of doddery old upper-middle class types with little idea of modern society, a big shake up is required”
Spot on Phil. But it will never change because those upper middle class are the same as all the other people that “run” this Island, they won’t leave their over-paid comfortable positions for now.
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@CJG and Phil
Whilst I may agree with your description of ‘doddery old types’ for perhaps some of the ministers, I would hasten to disagree with you when it comes to the people actually handing down the sentence, i.e. the magistrates and judges.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Russel Finch, Richard Collas, Phil Robey, and Cherry MacMillan, who have been successful advocates, and have rightly earned their place to be at the pinnacle of the legal system here in Guernsey. From my experience with them, they have come across as extremely intelligent and likeable people, and would fully trust in each judgement they make, especially in crimes as serious as rape, drug importation etc.
To refer to them as ‘doddering old middle class types’ reflects perhaps the ignorant attitude that many people have to the judiciary in Guernsey. You have to work in the legal system for a number of years, and be successful in it, before you can become a judge. So it’s obvious that they won’t be your average 30 year old wannabe lawyer who hasn’t yet got the experience of someone working in that area for 30 odd years.
I’m sure Mr Finch would have taken in all aggravating and mitigating factors of the case, and trust that he has made the correct judgement in good faith for the protection of Guernsey.
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Without commenting on any specific cases, including the one under discussion, it is meaningless to compare sentences for particular crimes with each other, as few crimes stand alone from mitigating or exacerbating factors.
People also can, and do, serve longer than 18 months in the local prison.
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As a Manchester United supporter I am embarrassed to say that Burton looks like a dead ringer for the eldest son of Nemanja Vidic
Martino. Please use your 20/20 foresight to confirm that UTD will win 3-2 in Fergie time and I promise not to report you when I next see you cycling on the pavement against a one way system
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I have to say, Ray, that Burton looks more like Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel than Man U’s Nemanja Vidic, but that aside I predict 1-1 aet and a United win on pens with Van der Sar going up to collect the trophy.
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It is likely the press have not reported well on this one.
“Life” in sentencing terms could mean one of two things…
1). He has been given the sentence fixed by law for certain serious offences – for example murder attracts 15 years or “life” as it is known (an inaccurate description but that is what it is called nonetheless), or
2). That due to the number of offences and the sentences decided on by the judge (for example non-concurrent sentences), he has been given sufficient time in prison for it to be considered that his prison time will likely be for the rest of his life (unless he is released upon review if applicable).
GP – I guess you had a reporter present, do you have the full sentencing comments so we know which it is please?
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I am not sticking up for the guy as he deserves what he gets but why are peadophiles only getting 3+ years and this one gets life????
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Well said CJG, my point exactly!!!
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I was once held, mistakenly, on remand for shoplifting in Winchester, they used to put something in our Tea, which stopped us offending.
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Stiletto
Unless things have changed dramatically in the last few years then your comment about only 18 months being seved over here is totally incorrect.
John Doe
I was primarily referring to Jurats, but it has to be said that the people you mentioned are responsible as well, the inconsistencies are glaring.
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Ok the fairest sentence would be to give the defendants to the victims and their families let them dish out their just deserts.
This would save the taxpayer.
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The pondlife is appealing
Outrageous
Forfeit the right upon conviction
Beast
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John doe
Only the “doddering old middle class types” would put drug importation in the same class as rape….
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I think this kid needs some serious help…
He must be ill.. seriously ill!
A byproduct of society, the lime-scale left from our ‘perfect’ stream of hierarchy and democracy.
Every society will have it’s byproducts and it is something we have to deal with ethically and practically.
Sometimes this world can be a little too much to take for some people. I am sure he wasn’t born bad but somewhere along the way something happened to this kid that seriously messed him up. We need to do some serious psychological evaluation and then try and prevent this happening instead of just slapping a couple of life sentences on his head to make the masses and the victims feel as though justice has been served.
He needs restorative justice, he must confront his victims so that they can close this chapter in their lives and move on with forgiveness and pity as opposed to hatred and animosity.
By learning to forgive one is releasing oneself from his or her own mental prison.
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