ROBERT CARREL: JERSEY AND COLNE PREDATOR SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has spanned decades and multiple jurisdictions, Robert Carrel, a 63-year-old man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses against children, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for his latest crimes committed in Jersey. The lengthy legal proceedings have revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that began in the early 2010s and continued into recent years, leaving a trail of victims scarred by his actions.

Carrel, who previously resided in Colne, Lancashire, and was known locally as a former baker, had a criminal record that included a 12-year imprisonment after he was convicted of raping and engaging in child indecency offenses in 2010. His crimes in East Lancashire involved the molestation of two young girls, one aged seven and the other aged eleven, while he was living on Belgrave Road in Colne. During the trial, it was disclosed that Carrel had coerced the seven-year-old into mimicking explicit acts from a pornographic film in exchange for sweets, a disturbing detail that underscored his manipulative tactics.

Further evidence revealed that Carrel also engaged the older girl in sexual acts, exploiting her vulnerability and trust. The court heard that he had taken her to his flat, where he forced her to touch him sexually, again offering her treats and presents as a form of reward. One of the victims vividly recalled receiving a teddy bear with a red love heart from Carrel, a gift that symbolized the manipulation and grooming she endured. She testified that her life was irreparably damaged, stating, “My life was ruined from that. I wasn’t safe any more. He took my innocence.”

During the Jersey trial, the court also heard from another young girl, who recounted her own traumatic experience with Carrel from over 30 years ago. She described how, when she was not yet ten years old, he took her to his flat and forced her into sexual acts, again promising sweets and gifts. She specifically remembered receiving a teddy bear with a red love heart, a token of her grooming. Her testimony painted a harrowing picture of childhood exploitation and the long-lasting impact of his abuse.

In addition to the victim testimony, a girl from Carrel’s earlier crimes in England was called to give evidence. She described how Carrel rewarded her after abusing her, and her account highlighted the pattern of grooming and manipulation that characterized his offending behavior. The Jersey court found Carrel guilty of three counts of procuring an act of gross indecency and one count of indecent assault, confirming the severity of his crimes.

Following the conviction, Jersey’s police, represented by Detective Inspector Cathy Davison, emphasized their commitment to justice regardless of how much time had passed since the offenses. She praised the victims for their courage and resilience, noting that they had been supported by specially trained sexual offence liaison officers and would continue to receive assistance as needed. Her statement underscored the importance of perseverance in bringing offenders like Carrel to justice.

However, Carrel’s courtroom behavior was marked by repeated outbursts. During the proceedings, he was removed from the court after shouting abusive language and claiming that Jersey’s justice system was “corrupt” and a “witch hunt.” His outbursts included calling the court officials “f***ing corrupt b******s,” and he accused the judiciary of bias. Despite these disruptions, he was brought back to hear his sentence, which was ultimately set at nine years. The judge described his actions as disruptive and noted his continued denial of guilt, even after being found guilty of serious sexual offenses.

The history of Carrel’s criminal activity extends back to his earlier conviction in the UK, where he was sentenced to 12 years for similar offenses involving a disabled girl and another young girl. During that trial, he denied the charges and shouted at the court, refusing to accept responsibility. His health issues, including a massive heart attack and subsequent quadruple bypass surgery while on remand, were also highlighted during sentencing, but they did not mitigate the severity of his crimes.

In summary, Robert Carrel’s case exemplifies a disturbing pattern of child sexual abuse spanning over three decades and across different jurisdictions. His victims, some of whom testified in court, have shown remarkable strength in confronting their trauma. The legal proceedings have underscored the importance of persistent investigation and the unwavering pursuit of justice for vulnerable children. The nine-year sentence handed down in Jersey aims to reflect the gravity of his offenses and serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight against child exploitation.