DEAN ROSSINGTON PLYMOUTH SCHOOL CARETAKER SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR REPEATED RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL IN PLYMOUTH
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, a former school caretaker named Dean Rossington has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years after being found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault and rape against a teenage girl.The incident, which spanned over six years, was detailed during a court hearing at Plymouth Crown Court, revealing the disturbing extent of Rossington's abuse.
Rossington, who was actively involved in the local community as a prominent member of the Communist Party in Plymouth, began abusing the girl when she was just 13 years old.
The court heard that the abuse started with seemingly innocent acts, such as kissing her during a game of truth or dare, but quickly escalated to full sexual intercourse.
The girl testified that the sexual encounters initially occurred once a month but soon became almost daily, causing her immense emotional and psychological distress.
The victim described how she began to self-harm as a means of coping with the pain inflicted by Rossington.
She recounted that she started cutting herself with razor blades and pencil sharpeners, often drawing blood as a form of release.
Her emotional state was further detailed through her statement, where she explained that she experienced mood swings, flashbacks, and difficulty sleeping.
Despite her suffering, she managed to resist the urge to turn to alcohol, although she felt overwhelmed by her feelings of exhaustion and restlessness.
Throughout the court proceedings, the girl bravely sat with her family and friends, facing her abuser in the courtroom.
Her testimony was emotional, and she recounted how Rossington had used gifts of tobacco and money to bribe her, telling her that “Nobody needs to know.
Nobody gets hurt.” The abuse culminated in a violent incident in January, when Rossington allegedly grabbed her by the throat and began punching her, an act that marked a significant escalation in his violence.
During the trial, Rossington pleaded guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault committed between 2009 and January of this year.
He also admitted to assaulting the girl causing actual bodily harm on a separate occasion.
The court heard that the initial acts of touching and inappropriate behavior occurred once a month but gradually increased in frequency, with the girl repeatedly expressing her desire to stop the sexual activity.
Despite her protests, Rossington continued his abuse, which was confirmed by the victim’s testimony and police recordings.
In a disturbing moment during the proceedings, Rossington was observed calling the victim a “bitch” while watching a police interview video of her.
The judge, Ian Lawrie QC, condemned Rossington’s actions and behavior, emphasizing the betrayal of trust and the profound harm caused.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Lawrie highlighted the cruelty of Rossington’s conduct, which included manipulation, coercion, and violence.
In an emotional statement read aloud in court, the girl described her ongoing struggles with mental health issues, including her self-harm and flashbacks.
She expressed her feelings of fatigue and restlessness, as well as her ongoing fears that her past is known to strangers.
Despite her trauma, she demonstrated remarkable courage by attending court and facing her abuser.
Following the verdict, the jury members remained in court to hear the sentencing, with one juror passing a note requesting the judge to consider Rossington’s callous remark from the dock.
The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Plymouth, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for victims of sexual abuse.
