GARETH ROBINSON OF STOKE-ON-TRENT JAILED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS IN AUDLEY AND GILLOW HEATH
In August 2021, Gareth Robinson, a man with ties to Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced to a substantial prison term after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving two young girls.Robinson, who previously resided in Gillow Heath and more recently in Durber Close, Audley, was handed a 12-and-a-half-year prison sentence by Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court for his heinous crimes.
Robinson, aged 39, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of minors.
The court heard that he engaged in penetrative sex with a girl under the age of 13, a crime that has left a lasting scar on the victim.
Additionally, he pulled down the underwear of another teenage girl, exposing her private parts in a disturbing act of humiliation.
The court was also informed that Robinson forced both victims to watch adult pornography, further compounding the trauma inflicted upon them.
The abuse took place when Robinson was in his early twenties, a period during which he exploited the innocence of the young girls.
The impact of his actions has persisted into their adulthood, with both victims speaking out about the profound and ongoing effects of his crimes.
One of the victims stated, "The crimes are classed as historical.
However, it is very present to me.
I have to live with this every day of my life.
He ruined my life.
He is not even remorseful and does not believe he has done anything wrong, which is sick.
The man is a danger to young girls." The second victim shared her suffering, revealing, "I tried to take my life when I was aged 16.
I could not mentally cope with the flashbacks or the guilt." Her words underscore the severe psychological toll that Robinson's abuse has taken on her.
Gareth Robinson pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual activity with a child.
However, he was also found guilty after a trial of additional offenses, including assault of a child under 13 by penetration, sexual activity with a child under 16, and two charges of causing a child to watch a sexual act.
The court heard that Robinson's actions were not only criminal but also deeply damaging to the victims' mental health and well-being.
During the proceedings, Adam Watkins, representing Robinson, argued that the exposure of the second victim’s private area was brief and described the act as crass, bullying, and demeaning, lasting only a few seconds.
He also highlighted that Robinson has been struggling with depression and anxiety, and that his mother had died on August 21, raising concerns about his ability to attend her funeral.
Recorder Anthony Warner addressed the court, condemning Robinson’s behavior.
He stated, "You told the first victim, 'You can't say a word to anybody because we'll be in a lot of trouble.' You knew what her age was.
The second victim was shocked and embarrassed after you exposed her private area.
You showed both victims explicit adult pornography." As part of his sentence, Robinson was subjected to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and was placed on the sex offenders' register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual abuse on young victims and the importance of justice in holding offenders accountable.
