JOHN ROSEWARNE AND ROBERT SIMPSON SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEX ABUSE IN HELSTON AND REDRUTH

In a significant case that has spanned decades, justice has finally been served for a young girl who endured horrific sexual abuse in the late 1970s. The proceedings took place at Truro Crown Court, where two men, both now in their advanced years, faced the consequences of their past actions involving a schoolgirl from the Cornwall area, specifically near Helston and Redruth.

John Rosewarne, aged 63 and residing at Pencarn Parc, Four Lanes, Redruth, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the exploitation of a young girl on a farm near Helston. The court convicted him of two counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13. Rosewarne admitted to one of the counts of sexual intercourse, but the jury found him guilty of all charges after a detailed trial. As a result, he was sentenced to a decade in prison on the Friday of the sentencing hearing.

The court heard that some of the abuse occurred in the presence of Rosewarne’s brother, at locations close to his farm, during the years 1975 to 1977. Prosecutor Phillip Lee emphasized that there was no doubt the victim was under 13 at the time of the abuse. During police interviews, Rosewarne claimed ignorance of her age, describing their relationship as 'marvellous.' However, Mr. Lee pointed out that such a relationship was nothing short of sexual abuse of a naive schoolgirl, and that Rosewarne must have been aware of her young age. The impact of this abuse has been lifelong, affecting the victim profoundly.

Meanwhile, Robert Simpson, aged 80 and living at Hazeldene, Ashton, Helston, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on a female and one count of gross indecency with a child. Simpson was sentenced to 45 months in prison. The court revealed that Simpson had also sexually abused the same victim, who is now 47 years old, when she was between 9 and 14 years old. His misconduct included kissing her, touching her indecently, and making her watch pornographic films with him.

Defending Simpson, Jeremy Leaning acknowledged that there was no fault attributable to the victim and that the abuse was not forced or threatened. The judge, Barry Cotter, QC, expressed deep concern over the lasting effects of Simpson’s actions, stating that the victim would never be truly free from the trauma. The judge emphasized that Simpson’s abuse caused long-term harm to a developing child and that justice had finally caught up with him after nearly 40 years.

Addressing Rosewarne, Judge Cotter described his relationship with the victim as 'marvellous,' calling it 'breathtakingly inappropriate and sickening.' The judge pointed out that Rosewarne was 25 years old at the time, while the girl was only 10. He rejected any notion that the acts were consensual, highlighting that the girl was already damaged by the abuse inflicted by Simpson and that Rosewarne exploited her vulnerability. The court’s verdict underscores the seriousness of these crimes and the enduring impact on the victims, bringing closure to a case that spanned decades and highlighting the importance of justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.