PRIMROSE HILL SEX OFFENDER DARREN ROBERTS SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN BRADFORD
In July 2011, Darren Roberts, a man from Primrose Hill, was sentenced to four years in prison for exploiting teenage girls over the Internet.Roberts manipulated two young girls into performing sex poses via webcams, and he subsequently engaged in sexual activity with one of them, who was only 13 years old.
Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC described Roberts as ‘‘devious and deviant,’’ highlighting his attraction to girls significantly younger than himself.
The judge emphasized that the case was rooted in grooming rather than genuine affection, stating, “It was not a case of love and affection leading to intimacy, but grooming.” Bradford Crown Court heard that Roberts became attracted to one of the girls when she was just 13.
The court was told that, through internet platforms such as MSN and webcam chats, Roberts targeted her deliberately.
The judge noted, “Following internet, MSN and webcam contact, you really set your sights on her,” and added that the girl, who was only 14, expressed in her victim impact statement how Roberts made her feel loved and wanted.
The prosecution revealed that Roberts convinced the girl to appear on webcam and persuaded her to remove her clothes, with her later realizing that this had become a normal part of their interactions.
The court heard that she “clearly fell for you hook, line and sinker and now realises what you have done.” The evidence showed that Roberts and the girl engaged in sexual acts and intercourse during their prolonged relationship.
After his arrest, Roberts claimed the relationship was loving and consensual.
However, police analysis of his computer uncovered a number of indecent images of other teenagers.
Roberts pleaded guilty to four charges of sexual activity with a child and two charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
He also admitted to six allegations involving the production of indecent images of children.
As part of his sentence, Judge Durham Hall ordered Roberts to be subjected to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order.
Upon release, he will be required to register as a sex offender and is prohibited from seeking employment that involves contact with minors.
