ROBERT DUFF FROM BISHOPSWOOD AND GREENOCK JAILED FOR SIX YEARS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN BRISTOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Bishopsworth and Greenock, Robert Duff, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term following his conviction for abusing a young girl over a period of six years in Bristol.

Duff, aged 48, who was formerly residing in Bishopsworth before relocating to Greenock in Scotland, appeared before Bristol Crown Court to face serious charges related to his heinous actions. The court heard that Duff had established a relationship with the girl’s mother, which allowed him to gain her trust and access to her daughter. This relationship was exploited by Duff, who was able to take the young girl on various outings, including swimming trips, under the guise of friendship and care.

Unbeknownst to the mother, Duff was a convicted sex offender, a fact that he concealed from her at the time. The young girl, who was between the ages of six and twelve during the abuse, later confided in her general practitioner about the traumatic experiences she endured. It was only after Duff had moved away that she disclosed the abuse to her doctor, revealing the extent of his predatory behavior.

The girl recounted to the Bristol Evening Post that Duff would sit close to her on a sofa bed, cover themselves with a quilt, and engage in inappropriate touching. He also threatened her with harm if she ever told anyone about what was happening. Her mother expressed her anguish, stating, “As long as they don’t let him out, it’s a good thing. It took all my strength not to get up in that court and kill him. He’s just despicable, and I was so angry when his lawyer was trying to portray him as a nice person.”

Duff’s criminal history includes previous jail terms—90 days and one year—for indecent assault on girls during the 1980s, as well as a three-year probation order for similar offenses in Bristol in 1994. During police interviews following his arrest on February 12, Duff admitted to abusing the girl from when she was approximately seven years old. He also confessed to being sexually aroused by his actions and revealed that he was attracted to girls aged nine to sixteen. Authorities found indecent photographs of children on a computer used by Duff, further implicating him in child exploitation.

Prosecutor Robert Davies emphasized the devastating impact of Duff’s actions on the victim and her family, describing their ongoing struggle to cope with the trauma. “They’re still not able to talk about this, and there is clearly still lots of work to be done,” he stated.

In his defense, Rosaleen Collins argued that Duff was aware of his problems and expressed a desire to seek help. She highlighted that it was unusual for a man in his position to accept responsibility so openly, suggesting that Duff’s acknowledgment of his issues was a positive sign.

Judge Julian Lambert sentenced Duff to an indefinite term of imprisonment for public protection, specifying that he must serve at least two years and 80 days before being considered for release. Addressing Duff directly, the judge stated, “You are a serial sex offender and a significant risk to little girls. You spoiled a little girl’s life while you worked out your sinful lust for year after year after year.”