ROBERT EVANS FROM LYTHAM ST ANNES, NORWICH, AND NORTHAMPTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE AND VIOLENCE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Norwich, Northampton, and Lytham St Annes, Robert Evans, a man known locally as Bobby, has been sentenced to over twelve years in prison after admitting to a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls and violent assaults on women. The lengthy campaign of abuse spanned nearly two decades, from 1988 until 2005, and included disturbing acts of physical violence and sexual misconduct.

Evans, aged 40 at the time of sentencing, appeared before Norwich Crown Court on a recent Thursday to face justice for his actions. His criminal history includes moving from Northampton to Norwich in the 1980s, where he resided in Silver Road, north Norwich, and later in Shorncliffe Road. Despite attempting to start anew by relocating to Lytham St Annes near Blackpool last year, his past was uncovered through a police investigation that ultimately led to his arrest and prosecution.

The prosecution, led by Ian James, detailed the severity of Evans' violent tendencies. He recounted an incident where Evans physically assaulted a woman in Norwich, punching her in the face and pulling her hair during what the victim described as an ordeal that “felt as though it lasted for hours.” The court was also told about a particularly brutal attack on another woman, where Evans held a pillow over her face with such force that she lost consciousness. This assault resulted in a broken jaw and injuries that continue to affect her, preventing her from eating hard foods to this day.

Furthermore, the evidence revealed that Evans exhibited violent, domineering, and aggressive behavior towards women and young girls over many years. He pleaded guilty to multiple serious sexual assaults, including attacks on a girl as young as ten and on a teenage girl. These crimes, spanning nearly two decades, highlight a pattern of predatory behavior that caused immense suffering to his victims.

During the court proceedings, Michael Clare, representing Evans, acknowledged the gravity of his client’s actions, stating, “There are no excuses for what Mr Evans has done.” He also argued that Evans deserved some credit for his guilty plea, which could warrant a reduced sentence. However, the presiding judge, Recorder Guy Ayers, was unequivocal in his assessment of Evans’ character. He described Evans as having “a violent character” and criticized his treatment of women and girls, emphasizing that Evans showed “no respect whatsoever” for them.

Ultimately, Evans was sentenced to a total of twelve and a half years in prison for his crimes, which included rape, sexual abuse, and physical assaults. In addition to his imprisonment, he was placed on the sex offenders register and received a lifelong ban from working with or living near children. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims, their families, and even Evans’ own relatives, as highlighted by Det Con Peter Sayer from Norfolk Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, who stated, “The misery that Evans has caused has not only affected the victims but their families and his own family as well.”