MICHAEL ROBERTS AND PREDATORY CRIMES IN CORNWALL
Michael Roberts, who was previously known by the alias Brooke-Feather, has been involved in a series of disturbing criminal activities spanning from his teenage years into recent times, with his latest court appearance taking place in Cornwall.The 38-year-old, long known for his troubling history, was recently sentenced after a trial revealed his guilt in the indecent assault of a young girl.
Roberts, a resident of Mevagissey, Cornwall, previously served a prison sentence in 2017 for possessing a horrifying collection of child abuse images.
These images depicted some of the most egregious forms of abuse, including babies being raped, hung upside down, and burnt with a blow torch.
His earlier conviction marked a dark chapter in his life, and although he was released from prison, his criminal activities persisted.
The latest trial and sentencing concern an incident from the 1990s, when Roberts was between 15 and 17 years old.
It was during this period that he was found guilty of repeatedly touching a girl under the age of 14.
Specifically, the jury determined that Roberts had run his hand up and down the girl’s leg on multiple occasions during that timeframe.
The evidence highlighted a pattern of grooming and abuse that had long-lasting effects on the victim, who only managed to report the abuse many years later.
During the sentencing hearing at Truro Crown Court, Judge Simon Carr addressed the court, emphasizing Roberts’ admitted long-held sexual interest in children.
The judge remarked on the gravity of Roberts’ actions, stating, “The abuse happened on at least three occasions.
You put your hand on her leg and moved it up and down.
She was terrified and it took her a long time to process the abuse that happened to her.
No doubt this had a devastating psychological impact and that will be lifelong.” Roberts’ defense attorney, Emily Cook, responded by acknowledging her client’s difficult impulse, asserting, “It’s not going to go away, it’s how it’s best managed.” Ms.
Cook proposed that Roberts should be managed within the community through a combination of punishment and rehabilitative programs, which he had not previously been eligible for.
She highlighted that Roberts now has stable employment, a residence, and the support of his parents, aiming to portray him as a rehabilitative case.
The judge outlined the seriousness of Roberts’ offending history, noting that he had previously been convicted in 2012 for sexual assault against a child.
That conviction was aggravated by the fact that Roberts had filmed himself committing the act for later gratification.
Despite being subject to a sexual harm prevention order following that conviction, Roberts breached it twice, resulting in additional sentences.
In 2017, Roberts was caught possessing indecent images of children, including those of the most severe nature, which led to him being sent back to prison.
Considering all these factors and the guidelines applicable at the time of the recent offences, Judge Carr sentenced Roberts to two years in prison, suspended for two years.
As part of the sentence, Roberts is required to complete the Horizons program to address his sexual behaviour and participate in a rehabilitation activity requirement.
Furthermore, Roberts has been placed under a 12-month GPS monitoring system, allowing authorities to track his movements continuously.
This measure aims to mitigate any potential risk he poses to the public, particularly children, as he continues to serve his sentence under strict supervision.
The case underscores the ongoing concerns regarding individuals with a history of sexual offences against children and the importance of comprehensive management and support to prevent further harm.
