ROBERT JAMES OF SOUTH SHIELDS SENTENCED FOR REPEATED CHILD MOLESTATION IN WASHINGTON

In August 2004, a disturbing case of child abuse culminated in the sentencing of Robert James, a 53-year-old man from Heaton Gardens, South Shields, who was convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault and gross indecency involving young girls. The heinous acts took place primarily in Washington, where James resided and carried out his criminal activities.

James was accused of repeatedly molesting three young girls, with one victim as young as seven years old. The allegations included groping, exposing himself, and forcing the victims to touch him. The incidents spanned over a period from January 1, 2003, to February 6 of the following year. Prosecutor Alec Burns detailed that most of the abuse occurred at a house in Washington, where James engaged in indecent acts on numerous occasions when he was alone with the girls.

One of the victims, an older girl, was assaulted in James's van, and another was subjected to a gross act of indecency during a game of hide and seek in a walk-in bathroom cupboard at a house that James had renovated. The young girls bravely testified against him during the trial, which lasted a week, and their testimonies ultimately convinced the jury of his guilt.

James denied all nine counts of indecent assault and three counts of gross indecency with a child, claiming that the abuse never occurred. However, after five hours of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of all charges. Judge John Milford sentenced James to five years in prison, emphasizing the severity of his breaches of trust and the nature of his crimes. The judge stated, "You seized opportunities when the coast was clear to indecently assault those girls in a variety of different ways. These offences were a gross breach of trust and I am satisfied no sentence other than a custodial sentence can be justified."

As part of his punishment, James will be registered as a sex offender for life. It was also revealed during the proceedings that James was facing similar allegations dating back more than 20 years, but legal counsel indicated that pursuing those charges was no longer in the public interest. The case highlights the importance of victim bravery and the ongoing efforts to protect children from sexual abuse in the South Shields and Washington areas.