ANDREW ROBERTS FROM HARWICH SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL IN ESSEX

In a case that has shocked the local community, Andrew Roberts, a man with no fixed address but known to have lived near the victim in Harwich, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 17 years for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a teenage girl. The crimes spanned over three years, beginning when the girl was just 13 years old, and involved multiple locations across Essex, including hotels in Colchester and Clacton, a field near Wivenhoe, and a chicken farm in Great Bentley.

Roberts, aged 36, appeared in court to hear the verdict, visibly shocked as Judge Rodger Hayward Smith QC delivered the sentence. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse, with Roberts initially forming what appeared to be a proper relationship with the girl after moving close to her in Harwich. However, this relationship quickly turned sinister as Roberts exploited her trust, subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults over an extended period.

The prosecution, led by Lynne Shirley, detailed how the girl was manipulated and deceived by Roberts, who took advantage of her innocence and vulnerability. She described Roberts’ actions as “callous,” emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved in the case. The girl, now 18, bravely came forward at the end of 2008, confiding in a friend about the abuse she had endured. This revelation prompted an investigation that ultimately uncovered the extent of Roberts’ misconduct.

During the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, a jury found Roberts guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of rape and several counts of sexual activity. He was acquitted of two rape charges but convicted on two alternative sexual activity charges, along with one additional count of rape and twelve sexual activity charges. Roberts maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, denying all allegations of sexual contact with the girl, and claimed that no sexual acts had taken place between them.

Detective Sergeant Jules Cole expressed satisfaction with the sentence, stating, “We welcome this sentence as it reflects the seriousness of the crime. This case sends a strong message that we will vigorously investigate rape offences in a determined bid to bring offenders to justice.” The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior, especially in local communities like Harwich and the wider Essex area.