ROBERT LINDSAY FROM ACCRINGTON AND BURNLEY CAUGHT IN CHILD SEX OFFENDER SCANDAL
In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Accrington and Burnley, Robert James Lindsay, a former high school science teacher, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate online communications with a person he believed to be a 12-year-old girl.The incident came to light after Lindsay, 34, was caught in a police sting operation that revealed his attempts to solicit explicit images and perform sexual acts in front of a minor.
According to court proceedings, Lindsay had been communicating with an undercover police officer posing as a teenage girl named ‘Ruby’.
The police investigation uncovered that Lindsay had initiated contact on the Kik messenger service on July 4, 2017, under the username ‘James L’.
During their conversations, Lindsay made inappropriate comments, including calling Ruby ‘cute’ and expressing a desire to see her in leggings.
He also suggested that she should make him blush and proposed playing truth or dare, further crossing boundaries.
On July 21, between 8.45 am and 1 pm, Lindsay continued to engage with the undercover officer, asking if she wore underwear and requesting her to perform sexual acts.
At one point, he sent a video of himself performing a lewd act and inquired if she ‘liked the view’.
Lindsay also attempted to instruct Ruby on how to perform a sexual act on herself, demonstrating a clear intent to exploit a minor.
The police raid on Lindsay’s home in Accrington on July 28 was prompted by these disturbing online exchanges.
During the raid, officers discovered five indecent images of children on his computer, two of which were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe form of child abuse.
Lindsay was arrested in front of his wife and children, a moment that underscored the gravity of his actions.
It was revealed that Lindsay had previously worked at Blessed Trinity RC College in Burnley, where he was suspended following the emergence of these allegations.
The court heard that Lindsay had tried to guide Ruby on how to perform sexual acts, further emphasizing the predatory nature of his conduct.
During the court hearing, Lindsay’s defense attorney, Daniel Prowse, argued that his client had not breached trust in a traditional sense and had sought help to address his issues.
Prowse emphasized that Lindsay’s actions were not typical of a teacher and that he had lost his career and any future employment involving children.
It was also disclosed that Lindsay’s estranged wife does not permit him to see his children.
Prosecutor Robert Elias detailed the extent of Lindsay’s misconduct, highlighting that he had told Ruby she was ‘a good girl’ and asked about her bra and breasts.
The court was told that Lindsay’s communication moved from Kik to Skype, indicating a persistent pattern of inappropriate contact.
In sentencing, Judge Philip Parry described Lindsay’s actions as a betrayal of trust and a serious breach of professional conduct.
He pointed out that Lindsay, who had no previous convictions, had used his position as a teacher to manipulate and exploit a minor.
Lindsay pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and to three counts of making indecent images of children.
As part of his punishment, Lindsay received a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years, was ordered to complete a sex offenders rehabilitation program, and was mandated to perform 200 hours of unpaid community work.
Additionally, he was issued a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and ordered to pay £1,000 in court costs.
Judge Parry concluded by condemning Lindsay’s actions, stating that they brought the noble teaching profession into disrepute and highlighting the severity of his misconduct.
