PETER ROE FROM HYNDBURN AND SWANAGE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN BURNLEY

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Hyndburn and Swanage, Peter Roe, a 60-year-old man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, was sentenced to an indefinite prison term at Burnley Crown Court for heinous crimes involving a young girl from Oswaldtwistle. The court heard harrowing details of Roe’s actions, which included multiple counts of sexual assault and rape against a child under the age of 13.

According to the court proceedings, Roe, a father of four, engaged in a series of disturbing acts against the vulnerable victim. He subjected her to sexual acts, including penetration, and also engaged in inappropriate behavior such as giving her “French” kisses. During the trial, it was revealed that Roe told the young girl she was “lovely,” and made disturbing comments about transforming her into a “proper woman,” even expressing a desire to marry her. These statements underscored the manipulative and predatory nature of his conduct.

Roe’s defense claimed that his actions were influenced by alcohol, asserting that he would not have committed these offenses if he had not been intoxicated. It was also disclosed that Roe had a prior criminal record, having served two previous jail terms. One of these was for having sexual intercourse with a girl under 16, and the other for indecent assault on a woman. Despite his criminal history, Roe’s latest offenses led to a severe sentence.

Judge Andrew Woolman presided over the case and made it clear that Roe would remain incarcerated until the Probation Service deemed it safe to consider his release. The judge emphasized that Roe’s sentence would not be reviewed for at least four years, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. Roe, who was originally from Hyndburn but had most recently been residing in Swanage, Dorset, admitted to multiple charges last August, including two counts of raping a child under 13, two counts of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, and one count of sexual assault on a child under 13.

During sentencing, Judge Woolman condemned Roe’s conduct, describing it as a “sustained period of sexual abuse.” The judge also criticized Roe for making “ridiculous” remarks to the victim during the abuse. He stated, “You clearly had sexual feelings towards her. Whether you acted upon them purely because of drink is another matter.”

As part of his punishment, Roe was ordered to register on the Sex Offenders Register and was permanently banned from working with children. The prosecution, led by Michael Lavery, highlighted the emotional toll on the victim, noting that she was left “upset and frightened” by her ordeal.

It was also revealed that Roe’s criminal history extended back to 1991, when he was jailed for 15 months, partly suspended, for engaging in sexual activities with a girl under 16. He was later sentenced to nine months for indecent assault. His defense attorney, Ken Hind, acknowledged the high risk Roe posed to children and vulnerable females but emphasized that his client’s alcohol abuse was a significant factor in his offending behavior. Hind stated, “Without alcohol he would never have considered causing any harm whatsoever to this young girl.”

Hind also mentioned that Roe’s marriage had ended in 2002 and expressed concern about his future in custody, suggesting that Roe would face social ostracism within the prison system, which he believed would serve as a form of punishment in itself. The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of Hyndburn and Swanage, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predators like Peter Roe.