PERTH CHEF DAVID ROBINSON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AND THREATS INVOLVING TEENAGERS
In a case that has shocked the Perth community, 31-year-old David Robinson, a chef employed at the Salutation Hotel, faced serious allegations involving inappropriate and threatening behavior towards minors.The incidents, which spanned over a month in late 2017, included the sending of explicit images and threatening messages to two 15-year-old teenagers, both of whom were known to him through their employment at the same hotel.
On November 6, 2017, Robinson sent a Snapchat message to a young girl, who was only 15 at the time, that included a graphic image of his genitals.
Accompanying this disturbing image was a caption that read “just for you,” indicating a deliberate attempt to engage in inappropriate communication with a minor.
This act was part of a series of messages that Robinson sent to her, which also included a separate message referencing “bath time.” In addition to the incident involving the girl, Robinson also targeted a 15-year-old boy, also employed at the Perth hotel.
Four days prior to the explicit image incident, Robinson, who identified himself as ‘Rocky Robinson 87,’ sent a threatening message to the boy.
The message was menacing and violent in tone, with Robinson stating: “Remember this, wee man, I don’t stop once I get someone on the ground.
I finish them off – a heel through the skull.” This threatening communication was part of a pattern of intimidating behavior directed at the teenager, who had also been a colleague at the hotel.
Robinson’s actions did not go unnoticed.
The police became involved after the teenage boy shared the threatening message with others, and the authorities launched an investigation.
The girl’s Snapchat messages, including the explicit image, came to light later, prompting further scrutiny.
Robinson was charged with multiple offenses, including sending indecent images and making threats of violence.
During the court proceedings, Robinson admitted to sending the indecent image to the young girl from his flat on November 6, 2017, and also pleaded guilty to the threatening message sent to the teenage boy on November 2, 2017.
However, he maintained a not guilty plea to a separate charge of repeatedly sending indecent images to another 15-year-old girl between November 1 and 30, 2017.
He also denied sending a suggestive Snapchat message to a different 15-year-old girl between October 15, 2017, and January 12, 2018, which was alleged to have been for sexual gratification or to humiliate and distress her.
Legal representatives highlighted Robinson’s mental health issues, submitting a psychiatric report to the court.
A background report indicated that he was unsuitable for unpaid work, but he expressed willingness to participate in the “Moving Forward, Making Changes” program run by the Tay Project, which aims to rehabilitate sex offenders, should his health improve and it be deemed beneficial.
In sentencing, Sheriff Keith O’Mahoney emphasized the seriousness of Robinson’s conduct but decided against imprisonment.
Instead, he imposed a restriction of liberty order, requiring Robinson to remain at his home from 7 pm to 6 am daily for the next nine months.
Additionally, Robinson’s name will be added to the sex offenders’ register for 22 months, and he will be under supervision by a social worker for the same period.
His phone was also confiscated as part of the court’s measures.
Sheriff O’Mahoney warned Robinson that any breach of the court’s orders could result in custodial sentences, including imprisonment.
The case’s next hearing was scheduled for February 7, 2019, when further background reports would be considered before final sentencing.
The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the offenses committed by Robinson and the ongoing concern for the safety and well-being of minors in the community of Perth.
