NEVILLE PARKER AND GEMMA ROBERTSON SHOCK WORCESTER WITH CHILD SEX ABUSE AND CRUELTY CASES
In a highly disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Worcester, Neville Parker, a 62-year-old resident of Lear Close, has been found guilty of multiple heinous sexual offenses involving young girls.The verdict was delivered after a lengthy trial at Worcester Crown Court, where a jury of nine men and three women deliberated for nearly six hours before reaching their decision.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Parker committed three separate rapes, including one on a five-year-old girl, along with six counts of indecent assault on four girls aged between five and 11.
The jury also convicted him of two additional sexual assaults and of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
These allegations span several decades, with some of the offenses dating back to the early 1970s when Parker was in his twenties and residing in Herefordshire.
An earlier complaint from the late 1990s was not pursued at that time, but the case was reopened in 2007 following a fire at the shared residence of Parker and his partner.
Alongside Parker, his common-law wife, Gemma Robertson, also faced serious charges.
She was found guilty of cruelty to a child but was acquitted of two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, as well as rape and sexual assault.
The verdicts came after a trial that lasted over a month, during which the jury was exposed to distressing details of the abuse.
Before being remanded into custody, Parker and Robertson shared a brief moment of affection, kissing in the courtroom dock.
Judge Robert Juckes QC addressed the court and emphasized the gravity of the case.
He warned Parker that he was at risk of receiving a life sentence, especially considering the nature and duration of the offenses.
The judge also stated that he needed to assess whether Parker posed a future danger to children, which could influence the severity of his sentencing.
The judge acknowledged the difficulty of the case, noting the disturbing details the jury had been required to listen to, and excused them from further jury service for the next 15 years.
Sentencing for both Parker and Robertson is scheduled for the week beginning April 22, pending the completion of background reports by the probation service.
The community and the victims await the final judgment, which will determine the future of these individuals and the safety of children in Worcester.
