ROBERT ALEXANDER'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN READING: TEEN VICTIM ABUSED WHILE HIGH ON DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

In May 2016, a disturbing case involving Robert Alexander, a known sex offender from Reading, came to the forefront as he was convicted of heinous acts committed against a young teenager. Alexander, who resided on Caversham Road in Reading, was found guilty of exploiting a vulnerable minor by providing her with alcohol and heroin, leading to a series of sexual encounters before she even reached her sixteenth birthday.

Heroin user Robert Lees Alexander, aged 49, used his influence and the teenager’s vulnerability to satisfy his sickening sexual desires. The court proceedings revealed that Alexander had engaged in sexual activity with the girl while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, which he supplied to her. The case drew significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the abuse and the manipulation involved.

In November of the previous year, Alexander admitted to engaging in sexual acts with a child and was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison at Swindon Crown Court. The severity of his sentence reflected the gravity of his crimes, but this did not deter him from appealing the decision. His legal representatives argued that the sentence was excessive and sought to have it reduced.

However, on May 24, during a hearing at London's Court of Appeal, the presiding judge, Mr Justice Globe, firmly rejected the appeal. He emphasized that the original sentence was appropriate given the seriousness of the offenses. Mr Justice Globe stated, “In the end analysis, this was extremely serious offending,” and added, “A total sentence of 12 years was a severe sentence, but it wasn’t one that was manifestly excessive.”

The court heard that Alexander was intoxicated on both alcohol and heroin during the time he abused the girl. The judge highlighted that “The taking of drugs and alcohol are an unattractive feature of the case,” underscoring the disturbing context in which the abuse occurred. The evidence indicated that Alexander provided the girl with alcohol and heroin, and they engaged in sexual activity before she turned 16.

While some evidence suggested that the girl may have consented to the sexual acts, she later expressed feelings of shame and fear, revealing the psychological damage inflicted upon her. Her emotional and mental scars underscored the profound impact of Alexander’s actions.

Lawyers representing Alexander, who had no prior history of sexual offenses, argued that his sentence was disproportionate. Nonetheless, Mr Justice Globe, along with Lord Justice Hamblen and Judge John Wait QC, upheld the original sentence, affirming that it was fully justified given the circumstances. The appeal was ultimately refused, leaving the 12-year prison term in place as a reflection of the severity of Robert Alexander’s crimes in Reading.