PETER ROBERTS FROM BLACKBROOK SENTENCED AFTER GROPING BOY DURING FISHING TRIP IN LIVERPOOL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Peter Roberts, a 48-year-old man from Blackbrook, was sentenced in Liverpool Crown Court after being found guilty of indecently assaulting a young boy during a fishing trip. The incident, which took place in March, involved Roberts engaging in inappropriate and unlawful conduct towards a 14-year-old boy, who was a known acquaintance of Roberts for approximately a year.

According to court reports, Roberts had organized a fishing expedition with two teenage boys, whose identities are protected by legal restrictions. The trip was scheduled from Friday, March 4, to Sunday, March 6, and was set to take place at Eccleston Mere, a popular local fishing spot. The boys initially planned to camp in two separate tents, with Roberts sharing a two-man tent with the 14-year-old and the other boy sleeping alone in his own tent. However, due to a fault in the one-man tent, all three ended up sharing the same sleeping space on the Saturday night.

During the night, Roberts, who resides with his elderly mother in Blackbrook, made a disturbing decision regarding the sleeping arrangements. He shared a bed with the 14-year-old boy, and it was during this time that the assault occurred. The victim recounted that he was awakened to find Roberts indecently assaulting him. Despite the boy's protests and attempts to push Roberts away, Roberts told him to go back to sleep and then tried to touch him again. The boy managed to resist further advances and pushed Roberts away.

The following morning, Roberts appeared to behave as if nothing had happened, which raised suspicion. The boy confided in his mother about the incident, leading to a police report and subsequent investigation. The case revealed that Roberts had an unusual attraction to young boys, which he kept for what the judge described as “sexual reasons.” Although there was no evidence to suggest Roberts had engaged in similar behavior on other occasions, the court found his actions to be deeply concerning.

Judge David Harris QC sentenced Roberts to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Roberts was placed under a supervision order for two years and mandated to attend a sex offenders’ programme. He was also ordered to have no unsupervised contact with boys under the age of 16 and to remain on the sex offenders’ register for life. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the offense and the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention to prevent future harm.