PAUL ROBINSON FROM LIDEN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SWINDON

In June 2005, a disturbing case emerged involving Paul Robinson, a girls' football coach based in Liden, who was convicted of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old player. Robinson, who is also a father to a 13-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son, was sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting to multiple counts of sexual activity with a minor and the possession of indecent photographs of the girl.

Robinson's misconduct came to light after a series of troubling incidents that raised suspicions among those close to him. The court heard that Robinson had been regularly sleeping with the young girl after she turned 15, despite the fact that he was a trusted coach at a youth football team in Swindon, which included both boys and girls. The relationship reportedly began when the girl was 14, but it was only after concerns were raised by her mother and Robinson's estranged wife that the full extent of his actions was uncovered.

According to the prosecution, Colin Meeke, Robinson's conduct became increasingly problematic as his wife grew suspicious of the closeness between her husband and the young player. Both women initially denied any inappropriate behavior, but the truth was eventually revealed when police examined Robinson's computer and discovered a number of indecent photographs of the girl stored on his device. It was at this point that Robinson confessed to having engaged in sexual relations with the girl every two weeks from July of the previous year through to April.

Robinson, aged 36 and residing at Ridge Nether Moor, Liden, pleaded guilty to ten counts of sexual activity with a child and five counts of taking indecent photographs of a minor. His past criminal record also includes a conviction from 1999 for indecent assault, which involved attacking a prostitute on Manchester Road.

During the court proceedings, Robinson's defense lawyer, Paul Orton, acknowledged that his client recognized the gravity of his actions and accepted that a prison sentence was appropriate. Orton emphasized that the relationship was driven by the girl’s infatuation with Robinson, who, despite his shortcomings, was seen as a figure of security and affection by her. He described Robinson as