DANIEL ROBINSON FROM LIVERPOOL SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND ABUSE IN LIVERPOOL
In September 2016, a disturbing case unfolded in Liverpool involving Daniel Robinson, a young man who was ultimately convicted of heinous crimes including rape, strangulation, and emotional manipulation.The court heard that Robinson, who was 22 at the time of sentencing, engaged in a series of manipulative and controlling behaviors towards a teenage girl he befriended through Facebook.
Robinson initially approached the girl, who was only 14 years old at the time, when he was nearly 18.
His online interactions appeared to be friendly at first, but they quickly took a darker turn.
The court was told that Robinson’s conduct was characterized by a controlling and manipulative nature, which included buying her sweets and fizzy drinks, ostensibly to win her trust.
However, he also subjected her to cruel comments, such as accusing her of being overweight and suggesting that no one else would be attracted to her, thereby undermining her self-esteem.
During police interviews, Robinson denied any romantic or sexual relationship with the girl.
In a callous remark, he dismissed her feelings by saying it would “be like a model going out with Shrek,” a statement that underscored his dismissive attitude.
The court learned that Robinson’s initial online friendship with the girl, who was just 14, was initiated when he was nearly 18, and she was flattered by the attention of an older male.
As the relationship progressed, Robinson’s behavior became increasingly controlling.
He isolated her from her friends and family, discouraging her from social outings and persuading her to spend more time with him instead of attending school.
His influence extended to her social media accounts, further entrenching her isolation.
The court was told that Robinson’s manipulative tactics eventually escalated to sexual abuse, with him engaging in sexual intercourse with her at her home in Ince, Liverpool.
One particularly alarming incident involved Robinson strangling the girl by placing his hands around her neck.
During this assault, he maintained a fixed stare that terrified her.
Despite her protests and refusal to have sex because she had run out of contraceptive pills, Robinson insisted they would proceed regardless.
The court heard that he raped her during this assault, an act that was both violent and terrifying for the victim.
Robinson’s cruelty did not end there.
When she finally decided to end the relationship, he attempted to manipulate her emotionally by claiming he had taken an overdose and was rushed to hospital.
However, he later discharged himself and may not have actually taken any pills at all, raising questions about his intentions and mental state.
Robinson, who had no fixed address at the time of sentencing, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including rape, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of sexual activity.
The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, chose not to give a personal impact statement, stating that she simply wanted to move on and put the traumatic experience behind her.
Judge Denis Watson, QC, sentenced Robinson to seven and a half years in prison.
In his remarks, the judge emphasized the manipulative and predatory nature of Robinson’s actions, noting that he had “flattered her into having a relationship with you which you intended to be physical and sexual.” The judge also highlighted how Robinson’s early controlling behavior led to the girl withdrawing from her social circle and school, illustrating the extent of his influence.
Furthermore, Robinson was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community in Liverpool.
