PAUL ROBINSON FROM IPSWICH SENTENCED FOR GROOMING BOY HE MET ON FACEBOOK NEAR WOODBRIDGE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Ipswich community, Paul Robinson, aged 39, was convicted of engaging in inappropriate and illegal activities with a young boy he met through social media. The incident unfolded after Robinson established contact with the boy via Facebook, and their communication extended through emails, text messages, and telephone calls, creating a disturbing pattern of grooming behavior.

According to court proceedings at Ipswich Crown Court, the two eventually arranged to meet in person at Woodbridge railway station in February. The court heard that their meeting marked a significant escalation in Robinson’s misconduct. On Valentine’s Day, Robinson took the boy out for a meal at a pub located near Ipswich, an outing that was described as part of his grooming process. During the subsequent half-term holiday, the pair traveled together to London, further complicating the case and highlighting the extent of Robinson’s manipulative actions, as detailed by prosecutor Patricia Doggett.

On February 24, the situation took a more serious turn when the boy stayed overnight at Robinson’s residence on Rendlesham Road, Ipswich. It was during this overnight stay that sexual activity occurred between the two, an act that led to Robinson’s arrest and subsequent charges. Robinson admitted to meeting a child following a period of sexual grooming and was charged with two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

Judge John Holt sentenced Robinson to four years in prison, emphasizing the severity of his actions. The judge described the grooming as “quite intensive,” underscoring the manipulative and calculated nature of Robinson’s conduct. The court’s decision reflected the gravity of the offenses and the breach of trust involved.

During the trial, Robinson’s defense attorney, Neil Saunders, highlighted that his client had no prior criminal record and expressed remorse for the situation. Saunders also pointed out that Robinson had lost his job as a consequence of the charges. He further stated that the victim had indicated that he was a willing participant in the activities, asserting that nothing occurred that the boy did not want to happen. Saunders described the grooming period as relatively short and noted that Robinson had already faced significant public disgrace due to the case being widely reported in the local press, adding a layer of social punishment to the legal consequences.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation, especially in communities like Ipswich and surrounding areas such as Woodbridge.