JAMES ROBINSON FROM COVENTRY, FOLESHILL, AND WALSALL SENTENCED FOR WICKED SEX ABUSE OF BOYS

In a case that has shocked the West Midlands community, James Robinson, a former priest with ties to Coventry, Foleshill, and Walsall, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys. The lengthy and detailed proceedings revealed a pattern of predatory behavior spanning over two decades, from 1959 to 1983, during which Robinson exploited his religious authority to abuse vulnerable children.

Robinson, who was 73 years old at the time of sentencing, was convicted on 21 charges related to sexual abuse against boys under the age of 16. His criminal activities took place across several parishes in the Midlands, including his time at St Elizabeth’s Church in Foleshill during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The court heard that Robinson, whose full name is Richard John James Robinson, used his position as a priest to manipulate and groom his victims, often gaining their trust through gifts and trips, including rides in his sports car.

One of the victims testified that the trauma of the assault had left a lasting impression, stating that he had carried the image of Robinson’s face with him ever since the incident. Robinson’s background was also discussed; he was raised in Brownhills, near Walsall, and initially worked as a colliery blacksmith before entering the priesthood. Throughout his career, he served in churches across Staffordshire, Birmingham, and Coventry before relocating to California in the mid-1980s.

Robinson’s criminal conduct was characterized by the court as “unimaginably wicked,” with Judge Patrick Thomas QC describing him as devious and manipulative. The judge emphasized that Robinson exploited his trusted position to carry out his offenses, which caused significant and potentially long-lasting harm to his victims. The court was told that Robinson’s actions included the use of gifts, trips, and other means to groom the boys, making it easier for him to carry out his sexual abuse over a period of 25 years.

Robinson’s attempt to evade justice was also highlighted; he refused to return to the UK to face his accusers, believing himself to be beyond the reach of the law. Despite this, he was extradited from the United States in August of the previous year. The court was informed that the Archdiocese of Birmingham had continued to pay Robinson a monthly salary of £800 until December 2001, even after allegations against him had become known. Robinson claimed in court that he could not afford to return to Britain, despite the church having sent him a cheque for £8,400. Judge Thomas noted that it was not his place to judge the church’s role but acknowledged that full disclosure and investigation were necessary for justice to be fully served.

Prosecutor John Atwood described Robinson as having a “knack for spotting the quiet child of the family,” and emphasized that his sexual attraction was directed towards young boys. The court heard that Robinson used his priestly status to gain “unfettered and unlimited” access to children, often giving gifts and taking them on trips, including in his sports car. Although charges related to two of the six victims who testified could not be pursued because they contacted police after Robinson’s extradition, their testimonies supported the cases of the other four victims.

The court also learned that Robinson’s behavior appeared innocent to the victims’ families at the time, as “it was a different world back then.” Robinson would take boys to football matches and rock concerts, and some even stayed overnight at his house shared with his mother. Many of these boys suffered emotional scars, with some requiring counseling as adults. The victims had remained silent initially due to feelings of confusion, shame, and a fear that they would not be believed.

Charges against Robinson included serious sexual assault, indecent assault, and acts of indecency against children. The case was further brought to public attention when BBC journalist Paul Kenyon tracked Robinson down in the US and confronted him for a documentary in 2003. Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Bimson commented on the case, stating that Robinson’s actions were a clear example of grooming, where he became a trusted figure within the community before abusing that trust for his own gratification.

The Archdiocese of Birmingham issued a statement expressing deep regret over Robinson’s “serious betrayal of trust.” The Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, expressed hope that the court’s decision would help victims find some measure of peace and healing. The church also affirmed its cooperation with police investigations and highlighted its commitment to safeguarding policies aimed at protecting children and vulnerable individuals from similar abuse in the future.