GARY ROBERTS FROM GILLINGHAM SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE CASE

In a case that has shocked the community of Gillingham, Gary Roberts, a 58-year-old former milkman residing on Trafalgar Street, was sentenced to a decade behind bars after being found guilty of serious sexual offenses involving two young girls. The sentencing took place at Maidstone Crown Court, where Judge Philip Statman commended the bravery of the victims who testified against Roberts, emphasizing their honesty and courage in recounting their traumatic experiences.

Judge Statman expressed his belief in the veracity of the girls' testimonies, stating, "They were extremely brave and they were steadfast. Neither of the children should ever feel they have done anything which has led to the commission of these offences. They are utterly blameless and good children." The court heard that Roberts was convicted of one charge of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual assault. However, three additional charges of sexual activity with a child, along with another allegation of indecent assault, did not result in verdicts and were left on file, with prosecutors deciding not to pursue further prosecution on those counts.

Throughout the proceedings, Roberts maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. Prosecutor Alexia Zimbler highlighted that one of the victims had confided that she was too frightened to disclose what had happened to her initially. The defense, led by Pamela Brain, pointed out Roberts' previously good character and steady employment history, noting that he had lost his job prior to the trial.

Judge Statman criticized Roberts for his manipulative behavior, stating, "You were the adult wholly in control of the situation. You manipulated the situation you were in to your own advantage." The judge also acknowledged the bravery of the victims, noting that they provided truthful evidence and relived their ordeals in court. One of the girls had managed to move on from the trauma, but the other was still in need of counseling. The judge expressed disappointment in Roberts' apparent lack of remorse, saying, "I see in you very little insight as to that which you have done. In my judgment, there is no sign of remorse. I am mindful of that which you have done to those young children."

As part of his sentence, Roberts was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, and his name will be permanently listed on the sex offenders’ register. Following the case, Detective Constable Ally Smith praised the victims for their bravery and resilience, stating, "I would like to commend the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forward, their composure in reliving their horrendous ordeals and their behaviour in court. Cases like this are harrowing to deal with and I am pleased justice has been served."

Earlier in March 2013, Roberts was convicted of molesting two girls over a period from December 2010 to March 2012. The jury found him guilty of one sexual activity with a child and one assault by penetration, but failed to reach verdicts on three other charges, which were left on file. The court also heard that one of the victims had told police she had wet herself when Roberts touched her "below." Roberts denied all allegations during his arrest, claiming they were fabricated, and could not provide any explanation for the accusations. The judge ordered Roberts to be remanded in custody until his sentencing on April 2, where the court would consider his potential dangerousness, emphasizing the severity of the case and the limited sentencing options available.