DAVID ROBINSON GROOMS TEESSIDE SCHOOLGIRLS FROM CAERPHILLY AND DARLINGTON IN SHOCKING FACEBOOK CASE
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Caerphilly and Darlington, David Robinson, a 28-year-old man with a troubling history, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for grooming two young girls on Facebook.The incident, which took place over a period spanning 2013 to 2014, involved Robinson engaging in manipulative and sexually suggestive messaging with the victims, both of whom were minors at the time.
Robinson, who was unemployed and working as a taxi driver, used social media to contact the girls, paying them compliments and making inappropriate and filthy suggestions.
Prosecutor Shaun Dodds detailed how Robinson planned to meet the girls in person, although these meetings never materialized.
During police interviews, Robinson claimed that his online interactions were harmless and merely a reflection of his sense of humor.
He also expressed the belief that one of the girls, who was only 12 years old, appeared to be 17, which further highlights his distorted perception of the situation.
The court heard that Robinson's grooming activities came to light after a relative of one of the victims discovered messages on her iPod.
The relative then pretended to be the girl in a conversation with Robinson, which led to his arrest.
During this exchange, Robinson made explicit comments, including advising her to buy sexy red lace underwear from Anne Summers, indicating his sexual intentions.
At Teesside Crown Court, the emotional impact on the victims was palpable, with relatives present in the gallery expressing their distress through gasps and tears.
One of the girls provided an impact statement revealing how her schooling had suffered and how she now suffers from nightmares as a result of Robinson's actions.
Robinson admitted to two charges of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and one charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
He also revealed to a probation officer that his intention was to have sex with the girls.
The court was informed that Robinson has a prior conviction for burglary at age 16, when he broke into a neighbor's home and stole a 14-year-old's underwear.
Judge Peter Armstrong emphasized the seriousness of Robinson's conduct, stating, “You know full well that this sort of behaviour is not to be tolerated.
It seems to me clearly you had an unhealthy and distorted way of thinking.
You now accept that this was not something which can be treated as anything of a joke.
This was serious as far as your victims were concerned.” Robinson, who has since moved to Caerphilly following his arrest, was also prohibited from working with children under 16 and from having unsupervised contact with minors.
The judge underscored the need for immediate imprisonment to serve as a deterrent, warning that such behaviour over social media platforms like Facebook is unacceptable and will be met with strict penalties.
