CRAIG ROBERTSON AND SHOCKING CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN NORTHUMBERLAND
A deeply troubling case has resulted in the imprisonment of Craig Robertson, a man convicted of attempting to commit and actually carrying out sexual assaults against two young girls in Northumberland.The incidents, which have left lasting psychological scars on the victims, came to light when one of the girls confided in a friend.
The friend, concerned by what she heard, reported the matter to an adult, leading to the evidence that ultimately brought Robertson to justice.
Craig Robertson, aged 31 and residing on Woodhorn Drive in Stakeford, Northumberland, appeared before Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to the charges.
In a session marked by emotional victim impact statements, the court heard the profound and lasting harm caused by his actions.
The judge sentenced Robertson to eight years in prison and imposed an additional year on his licence, ensuring that he remains under supervision for a significant period after his release.
One of the victims, in her impact statement, shared her painfully personal experience, stating, "It hurt me and made me feel fragile and I spent a big part of my life thinking I was in the wrong." She then addressed Robertson directly, saying, "You used and abused me.
You made me grow up too quickly.
Justice finally being served makes me feel I can build a happier life." Her words reflect the deep emotional trauma inflicted upon her by Robertson’s actions.
The other girl who was assaulted also gave her account, revealing the ongoing effects of her victimization.
She expressed that her experience has fundamentally altered her emotional well-being, stating, "It's affected me in many different ways.
It’s made me scared around men because of it." Her testimony underscores how these crimes can have enduring impacts that influence victims' sense of safety and trust.
In sentencing Robertson, Recorder Tony Hawks emphasized the severity of such offenses, noting: "The sexual abuse of young children is one of the most pernicious offences that can be committed because it causes untold harm, catastrophic harm to those two little girls.
It can affect a whole lifetime of a person who's subjected to it, which is why it's regarded as extremely serious." As part of his punishment, Robertson was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a standard measure intended to protect the public and monitor offenders with a history of sexual crimes.
Defending Robertson, solicitor Brian Mark explained that his client suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome and mental health issues.
He stated, "He is remorseful and he is very clear about the harm he done, he has caused those children, these victims.
He doesn't hold anything against the children." Despite his expressed remorse and mental health considerations, the court prioritized justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals by imposing the strict penalties.
