JOHN ROBERTS FROM SALFORD SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS
In December 2021, a man identified as John Roberts, also known as Jack, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of indecently assaulting two young girls.The offences, which were committed some time in the past, came to light during a court hearing at Manchester Crown Court, where Roberts, aged 83, from Irlam, Salford, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault.
Prosecutor Mark Kellet detailed the disturbing nature of the crimes, revealing that Roberts performed a sex act on one of the victims.
Kellet described the scene, stating, “She could hear his breathing and felt his breath,” emphasizing the invasive and distressing circumstances of the assault.
The court also heard that Roberts targeted the same girl on another occasion, further compounding the trauma inflicted upon her.
The second victim recounted her experience, explaining that Roberts performed a sex act on her as well.
She expressed her feelings of shame and embarrassment, noting, “She knew what the defendant was doing was wrong and she felt embarrassed.” As she grew older, her sense of disgust intensified, and she became increasingly distressed by what had happened to her, according to the court records.
During the proceedings, a statement from the first victim was read aloud, revealing the long-lasting impact of Roberts’ actions.
She described the abuse as leaving her with “deep, permanent, psychological scars,” and admitted to feeling guilt and shame throughout her life.
She explained, “I have carried the feeling of being dirty and guilty all my life.
I actually blamed myself and felt like it was all my fault.” The victim also shared that the pressure and trauma of the abuse severely affected her mental health.
Since the truth was uncovered, she said she has experienced feelings of sickness and overwhelming guilt, calling Roberts a “coward” and “dangerous.” She concluded her statement with a direct message to her abuser: “You know the truth about what you did.” The second victim also spoke about her ongoing emotional struggles, stating, “As I have gotten older I have become more aware that what happened to me was utterly repulsive.” She described the internal conflict and trauma caused by exposing her abuser, which left her feeling distressed and conflicted.
Roberts’ criminal history includes five previous convictions for nine different offences, all of which were of a dissimilar nature, indicating a pattern of problematic behavior.
Despite his age, Roberts was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was ordered to sign the sex offender register for a period of ten years.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which these historic offences are treated, and the lasting impact on the victims involved.
