'Predator' taxi driver jailed for 15 years for sex attacks on children and elderly woman in their homes
A "deviant predator" who sexually assaulted victims in their own homes has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Jason Bursk, a 51-year-old taxi driver, broke into properties late at night in his home town of Radcliffe in Bury, Greater Manchester, with the intention of committing sexual offences.
He attacked a woman in her late 70s and a girl under the age of 13, between November 2018 and November 2019.
Bursk also entered two other homes before fleeing, and attempted to gain entry to three more.
Meanwhile, another young victim came forward after she recognised Bursk in a media appeal over the break-ins and recalled how he had sexually abused her in 2012 when she was a child.
Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court was told how Bursk's elderly victim awoke to find him in her bedroom after he had turned the lights off.
He pinned her down and placed his hand over her mouth when she screamed. He later ran off when she kicked out at him.
Prosecutor Andrew Ford said the sexual assault had brought on rapid and significant deterioration in her physical and mental health, adding that her family had viewed the attack with "disgust and helplessness".
Bursk's most serious offence was committed between November 2018 and November 2019 against the young girl, who was asleep in her bedroom with her younger sister when he tried to rape her.
After assaulting her, he bit her and called her a "brat" as she turned away and buried her head in a teddy bear.
The court heard how the victim's sister bravely intervened and tried to push him away before he shoved both children and fled the scene. CCTV footage captured him running away while holding his trousers up.
Bursk pleaded guilty to various offences including attempted rape, sexual assault, trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence and attempted trespass with similar intent.
Sentencing, Judge John Potter told Bursk: "Your convictions in these proceedings show you to be a deviant sexual predator.
"There can be no excuse whatsoever for your wicked, depraved and predatory behaviour towards others. The harm caused to you is no excuse for you to harm others."
The court heard that Bursk is classed as a dangerous offender and must serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody before he can be considered for parole.
He will then have to serve an extended licence period of five years on release.
Defence lawyer Sarah Johnston, said Bursk's wife of more than 20 years and their children are standing by him.
She said: "They genuinely believe that the root cause of the offending can be addressed. They still see the good in their father and husband, and remain committed to him."
Ms Johnston said Bursk had suffered traumatic abuse as a child as well as "incredible stress" while serving as a young soldier in the Israeli army.
