NEIL ROBINSON FROM STAINES EXTRADITED FROM CHINA JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that spanned over a decade and involved international cooperation, Neil Robinson, a man formerly residing in Staines, Surrey, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences committed against a young girl. Robinson, aged 47 at the time of sentencing, had previously admitted to multiple charges, including three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 13 and three counts of indecent assault. These offences took place between 1999 and 2002, a period during which Robinson’s actions caused significant harm to his young victims.

Robinson’s criminal activities did not end with the offences themselves. After fleeing the UK in 2002, he managed to evade authorities for over ten years, prompting a lengthy manhunt. Surrey Police revealed that Robinson had been wanted since his disappearance, and a Crimewatch appeal in 2012 provided crucial information indicating that he had been living and working in schools in Beijing, China. This revelation prompted further investigation and international cooperation to locate him.

Following extensive inquiries and media coverage, Robinson ultimately surrendered himself to Chinese authorities in April of the year prior to his extradition. His decision to hand himself in came after the case received widespread attention, and he was subsequently flown back to the United Kingdom in May. Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, Robinson was immediately arrested by Surrey Police, marking the culmination of a long and complex investigation.

Detective Inspector Becky Molyneux expressed her views on the case, describing Robinson as a “highly dangerous sexual predator” who subjected his vulnerable young victims to what she called “horrendous ordeals.” She emphasized the importance of international cooperation in bringing offenders like Robinson to justice, stating, “No matter where in the world offenders try to hide and escape from their past, we will use all available resources to bring them to justice.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Robinson was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely, was given a lifelong sex offence prevention order, and was disqualified from working with children for an indefinite period. These measures aim to prevent any future harm and protect the community from potential reoffending.

Earlier in September 2013, Robinson appeared at Guildford Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to several charges, including three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, one count of making an indecent video of a child, and three counts of indecent assault. He denied other charges, such as encouraging the prostitution of a girl under 16 and engaging in sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, which were ordered to lie on file. His flight from justice and subsequent life in China had complicated efforts to bring him to account, but the international cooperation ultimately resulted in his return and prosecution.

Detective Inspector Molyneux highlighted the relentless efforts of the police and other agencies involved, thanking DC Stacey Bolton for her dedicated work on the case. She also acknowledged the crucial role played by Crimewatch, Chinese authorities, and various international agencies in ensuring Robinson’s swift return to the UK. Robinson remains in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on October 4, with the case serving as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and international cooperation in tackling serious crimes against children.