ROBERT LATHAM FROM BOOTLE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN LIVERPOOL AND DERBYSHIRE

In December 2020, a disturbing case emerged involving Robert Latham, a resident of Bootle, who admitted to sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy. The revelation came after Latham wrote a suicide letter in which he confessed to his crimes, following the discovery that his young victim was planning to come forward with allegations of abuse.

Authorities had been searching for Latham after he was reported missing from Merseyside, and it was only later that his crimes were uncovered. Police eventually tracked him down in Derbyshire, where he was found in a campervan. The vehicle was not only a place of residence but also contained materials that confirmed his intentions to end his life, as he had attempted to do so prior to his arrest.

According to police reports, the suicide note detailed the sexual abuse Latham inflicted on the young boy. The note was discovered during the investigation, providing crucial evidence of his guilt. The 60-year-old, who resides on Ainsdale Road in Bootle, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court to face charges after being arrested and formally charged.

Prosecutor Paul Becker explained that an interview with the victim had taken place back in 2018. He stated, “The defendant had been reported as missing from Merseyside a couple of days prior. On October 17, 2018, Latham was located by police in Derbyshire in a campervan and claimed he had made attempts to take his own life.”

The court was informed that the campervan contained evidence supporting Latham’s claims of suicidal intent. The case revealed that the sexual offenses occurred several years earlier, with Latham initially denying any sexual interest in children. However, he admitted that he became aroused when the boy ‘played with himself,’ and that they engaged in penetrative sexual activity.

It was also disclosed that Latham was previously employed as a lecturer at Hugh Baird College. Since the prosecution’s case, his movements have been limited, and he now only leaves his home once a week. The court heard that Latham pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

In sentencing, Latham was given a prison term of two years and eight months. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. The court did not impose a Sexual Harm Prevention Order or a restraining order against him, concluding the case with a serious reminder of the gravity of his offenses and the ongoing risk posed to the community.