DENNIS ROE FROM WESTCLIFF ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN

In April 2007, a disturbing case involving Dennis Roe, a 77-year-old resident of Salisbury Avenue in Westcliff, drew significant public attention and outrage. Roe, who was convicted of multiple indecent assault charges involving young girls, was spared a custodial sentence and instead received a community-based punishment that sparked anger among the victims' families and the wider community.

During a hearing at Basildon Crown Court, Judge Christopher Mitchell delivered his verdict, sentencing Roe to a three-year community rehabilitation order. This order mandated that Roe participate in a sex offenders' treatment program, a decision that did little to quell the fury of those present. As the judge announced the sentence, a man from the public gallery abruptly left his seat and attempted to approach the bench, vocally questioning why Roe had not been sent to prison. The man shouted abuse at Roe, expressing his outrage and disbelief at the leniency of the sentence.

In addition to the community order, Roe was required to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. The court's decision was based on the evidence presented, which included Roe's previous convictions for similar offenses. He had been convicted of indecently assaulting a 12-year-old girl in October 1994 and another assault against an 11-year-old in 1999. During the proceedings, a third victim came forward, revealing that Roe had indecently assaulted her at her home when she was just seven years old. Roe subsequently pleaded guilty to this additional charge.

Throughout the trial, emotional reactions from the victims' families were palpable. Several relatives shouted insults at Roe, expressing their anger and frustration at what they perceived as a lenient punishment. The courtroom security had to intervene, escorting the upset family members out of the court to maintain order.

Judge Mitchell addressed Roe directly, noting that he cares for his sick wife and suggesting that the best course of action was to ensure Roe received the necessary psychological help. The judge stated, “It is clear that as far as the offences against the first two victims are concerned, they may well warrant a short term of prison. But as I have observed, a short term of imprisonment will not do you any good. The sex offenders’ group programme is not a soft option.”

Roe, who had no previous criminal record, was thus given a sentence focused on rehabilitation rather than incarceration, a decision that left many in the courtroom feeling disappointed and angry about the perceived lack of justice for the young victims.