ROBERT KIDD FROM BOTCHERBY, CARLISLE, SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF TWO GIRLS IN CUMBRIA

In November 2012, a disturbing case of prolonged child abuse came to light involving Robert Kidd, a 53-year-old man from Botcherby, Carlisle. Kidd was found guilty of systematically abusing two young girls over a period of more than a decade, actions that have left deep psychological scars on the victims. The court heard that Kidd’s heinous conduct began when one of the girls was still in reception class at primary school and continued into her early teenage years.

These girls, whose identities are protected by law, endured a campaign of grooming and exploitation that only came to light many years later. It was only in September 2012 that they finally confided in each other about the abuse, prompting them to report the matter to the police. Following their disclosures, law enforcement authorities acted swiftly, leading to Kidd’s arrest in November of the same year. During police questioning, Kidd initially denied any involvement, but subsequent court proceedings revealed the extent of his crimes.

At an earlier hearing, Kidd, who was described as having “low intelligence,” pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault against one girl and an additional count of the same offence against the other. These admissions came shortly before his trial was scheduled to commence. The court was presented with harrowing victim impact statements, which detailed the profound and lasting psychological damage inflicted upon the girls. Judge Batty, presiding over the case, condemned Kidd’s actions, stating, “You groomed her, pretended to help, assist and comfort her. That was a precursor to the systematic sex abuse of the grossest kind.”

He further emphasized the severity of the crimes, noting that Kidd had robbed these young girls of their childhoods. The judge described the impact on the victims as “harrowing,” highlighting their fear and the deep psychological scars left behind. Although the offences did not constitute rape, Judge Batty remarked that they came very close to it in severity.

As a consequence of his crimes, Kidd was sentenced to ten years in prison. Additionally, he was disqualified from working with children for life, placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register permanently, and banned from having any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16. These measures aim to protect other children from potential harm and reflect the gravity of Kidd’s offences.

Earlier in September 2012, Kidd had already been warned about the serious nature of his crimes when he admitted to indecently assaulting two girls in Carlisle. During that hearing at Carlisle Crown Court, Judge Paul Batty QC made it clear that a “significant custodial sentence” was inevitable. Kidd was remanded in custody following that hearing, with sentencing scheduled for November 2, 2012, to determine the full extent of his punishment for the crimes committed in Botcherby and across Carlisle.