ROBERT CROXFORD SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULTS IN LIVERPOOL
A 68-year-old man named Robert Croxford has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses, including the rape of a very young girl on two separate occasions, as well as numerous indecent assaults against her and another victim.The sentencing came after a long and harrowing trial that laid bare the extent of Croxford’s heinous crimes.
During the court proceedings, Croxford sat with his arms folded and showed no visible emotion as the judge detailed the severity of his offending.
The judge emphasized that Croxford’s actions profoundly damaged his victims, describing how he stole their childhoods and cast a long shadow over their adult lives.
The crimes took place in the Wirral area, but Croxford was present in Liverpool for sentencing.
Croxford had pleaded not guilty to all charges, a decision that compelled his youngest victim to relive her traumatic experiences in front of the jury.
Despite his denial, the jury deliberated and reached a unanimous verdict, convicting Croxford on two counts of rape as well as eleven counts of indecent assault.
His victims’ testimonies revealed the enduring psychological scars inflicted by Croxford’s acts.
One victim, who was very young at the time, struggled through her ordeal with severe emotional distress.
She described experiencing multiple mental health challenges, including phases of hair-pulling and suicidal overdoses.
Prosecutor Martine Snowdon read from her personal statement, highlighting how she believed she was at fault for what had happened to her and how her perception of herself had been distorted by Croxford’s abuse.
The victim now suffers from complex post-traumatic stress disorder and continues to rely on antidepressant medication, which she started taking in her early twenties after a major mental health breakdown that led to her hospitalisation.
The second victim, who was targeted during her teenage years, endured inappropriate touching and kissing at the hands of Croxford.
Her experiences further exemplify the pattern of predatory behavior he exhibited over many years.
Croxford’s defender, Andrew McInnes, argued that his client would find prison particularly hard due to his age.
He urged the court to consider Croxford’s advancing years and the potential health impacts of incarceration.
However, Judge Robert Warnock was unequivocal in his remarks.
He stated, “You created the opportunity to indecently assault and rape a girl twenty years younger than you.
You stole her childhood and blighted her adulthood – this behaviour is wholly unacceptable.” The judge also expressed hope that the victims’ bravery in coming forward and participating in the trial will aid their recovery, adding, “I hope her courage and dignity in this trial is a help to her in her later life.” Croxford, whose address is listed as Lee Court Road, Hoylake, had a prior conviction for possession of indecent images of children, but this was his only previous criminal record until now.
As part of his sentence, he is required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Loretta Dean commented on the case, stating, “Croxford is now beginning a lengthy prison sentence following a jury’s guilty verdict on multiple offences committed over several years in the 1970s in the Wirral area.
The victims in this case have demonstrated incredible bravery in coming forward, and I hope this sentencing provides them with some closure and justice.
Their lives have been deeply affected by these crimes, and their courage in reporting them deserves recognition.”
