ROBERT LEE FROM BENWELL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST TEENAGE GIRL IN NEWCASTLE

In March 2022, a disturbing case emerged involving Robert Lee, a 42-year-old man from Benwell, Newcastle, who was found guilty of multiple sexual offenses against a teenage girl. The incident drew significant attention due to the nature of the crimes and the circumstances surrounding them.

According to court reports, Lee engaged in inappropriate conduct with the young girl, which included kissing her and taking photographs of the act. The girl, who was a minor with learning difficulties, was subjected to these unwarranted advances during an encounter in Benwell. The situation escalated as Lee continued to communicate with her through text messages, expressing his desire for more intimate contact. In one message, he wrote, “Looking forward to big kisses and cuddles,” indicating his intentions and emotional state.

Further messages revealed Lee’s concern about being discovered, with him stating, “I will have to text, I don’t want anyone to find out about us.” He also mentioned that he was “still in bed, I’ve got it all to myself, there is space to fill,” which suggested a level of intimacy inappropriate for his relationship with a minor. The girl’s mother became suspicious after noticing the messages and decided to investigate further. Upon reviewing the texts, she became alarmed and promptly contacted the police, leading to Lee’s arrest.

During police interviews, Lee attempted to downplay his actions, claiming that the kiss was “not sexual” and that he “did not accept” that his messages were sexual, although he admitted they were inappropriate. He described the incident as a “silly little thing between them,” attempting to minimize the severity of his conduct.

Lee appeared before Durham Crown Court on a Wednesday to face sentencing for two counts of sexual assault of a child and one count of sending a sexual communication to a child. Prosecutor Richard Herrmann outlined the case, emphasizing the concern raised by the girl’s mother and the disturbing nature of Lee’s messages.

Judge James Adkin, the Recorder of Durham, delivered a stern judgment, condemning Lee’s actions as “abhorrent” and describing the case as “dreadful.” The judge highlighted that Lee’s offenses were committed for his own sexual gratification, noting the sinister and worrying nature of his conduct. He pointed out that Lee had been drinking at the time and had kissed the girl on the lips, followed by a second kiss the next day, which he also photographed. The judge emphasized that Lee intended to pursue further contact and had sent messages more fitting for an adult partner rather than a vulnerable child.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Adkin made it clear that Lee was fully aware that his actions were wrong, stating, “I’m perfectly satisfied that you knew what you were doing was wrong, seriously wrong.” As a result, Lee was sentenced to 19 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and a 10-year restraining order to protect the victim and prevent further offenses. Lee will also be registered on the sex offender’s register for a decade, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the community.