KEITH ROBERTS, THE STOCKTON PAEDOPHILE AND EMBARRASSING BODIES STAR, SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stockton, Keith Roberts, a man once known for his appearance on the popular TV show Embarrassing Bodies, has been sentenced to prison for serious child abuse offenses.Roberts, aged 68, was a familiar face to many residents, earning a reputation as a trustworthy and kind-hearted individual, often referred to locally as ‘Skippy’.
His reputation was built over years of service as an ambulance technician, a role that made him a familiar figure in Stockton and surrounding areas.
Roberts’s involvement in the television program, where he underwent a procedure on his penis, was seen as a testament to his openness and willingness to confront personal health issues publicly.
However, beneath this seemingly caring exterior, Roberts concealed a dark secret.
His criminal activities came to light after a father in Stockton noticed something alarming involving his daughter.
The father observed his young daughter pulling up her underwear through the window of his caravan home, which led to the discovery of Roberts’s abusive behavior.
The court heard that Roberts had engaged in inappropriate conduct with two primary school-aged girls.
Prosecutor Rupert Doswell described the disturbing details of the case, stating, “They had both said they didn’t want it — but he didn’t stop.” The prosecutor further explained that Roberts had attempted to tickle one of the victims, who responded by slapping him, indicating her discomfort.
Despite her protests, Roberts continued his misconduct, which included giving one girl a fiver and supplying her with WKD alcopops in a misguided attempt to keep his actions hidden.
Roberts’s interactions with children extended beyond the abuse, as he would take them to McDonald’s, go on bike rides, and even paint their faces, activities that made him appear as a friendly and caring figure to many in the community.
However, the Teesside Crown Court heard how these seemingly innocent activities were tainted by his criminal behavior.
The court was told that Roberts had assaulted the girls, actions that have left lasting scars on the victims and their families.
During the sentencing hearing, the parents of the victims expressed their devastation and the profound impact Roberts’s actions had on their lives.
One father shared, “It plays on my mind every time I see my daughter.
I feel like my battery has been drained and I can’t move forward.
I hold a lot of guilt about what happened.” He also revealed that he had previously harbored concerns about Roberts, noting that children often visited his caravan, but he was reassured by others that Roberts was a “good man.” Judge Stephen Ashurst, presiding over the case, sentenced Roberts to 40 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges of sexual touching and attempting to engage in sexual activity with the girls.
Roberts denied additional charges related to causing a child to engage in sexual activity, which will be kept on file.
The offenses took place at the beginning of October, and Roberts’s arrest followed shortly thereafter.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Ashurst condemned Roberts’s actions, stating, “You have thrown away that good character by your decision to assault two girls.
There was, in my judgement, grooming.” The judge also criticized Roberts for attempting to silence his victims by warning them that “Uncle Skippy” could be locked up if anyone found out, describing such behavior as “appalling” and indicative of an adult trying to shift blame onto children for their own misconduct.
The judge emphasized the significant distress caused to the victims’ families and ordered Roberts to be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which could restrict his contact with children for the rest of his life, aiming to prevent any future harm.
