ROBERT MASON FROM NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME INVOLVED IN SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SCHOOLBOY IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In November 2016, Robert Mason, a 41-year-old man from Newcastle-under-Lyme, was involved in a disturbing incident on a bus traveling from Newcastle-under-Lyme to Meir, Stoke-on-Trent. The incident involved Mason sexually touching a 14-year-old schoolboy, an act that has since garnered significant legal attention and public concern.

According to court proceedings, Mason sat directly behind the young victim during the journey. The court heard that Mason repeatedly poked the boy’s neck and, on one occasion, stroked him underneath his shirt. The young passenger, feeling increasingly uncomfortable, attempted to ignore Mason’s actions, but the situation escalated when Mason’s behavior became more overt and invasive.

At one point, the victim noticed fingers on the back of his head, prompting him to re-position himself to see Mason out of the corner of his eye. Despite feeling uneasy, the boy tried to dismiss the incident. However, Mason continued his inappropriate conduct by gently poking the boy’s head multiple times. As the bus approached Longton, Mason’s actions intensified when he placed his open palm on the left side of the teenager’s torso. The young boy, alarmed, turned around and demanded to know what Mason was doing. Mason did not respond but kept his gaze directed downward, avoiding eye contact.

The victim, feeling increasingly distressed, moved to a different seat. The court was told that Mason’s behavior did not cease there. When the bus arrived at its destination, Mason was confronted by the victim’s brother, who questioned him about the incident. Mason denied any wrongdoing, claiming, “I have not been doing anything. It is my twin brother. He is gay. I am sick of him doing it. He is always doing it.”

The court heard that the incident left the young teenager feeling upset and anxious about using public transport in the future. The court also noted that Mason’s actions caused significant emotional distress to the victim, who now experiences heightened anxiety when traveling in public.

Prosecutor Gerry Bermingham detailed the events, emphasizing that Mason’s actions, although not resulting in further physical contact, were serious enough to cause alarm and fear. The court described Mason’s conduct as distressing and frightening for the young victim, who was just 14 years old at the time.

During the hearing, Mason admitted to the charge of sexual assault. His defense attorney, Adam Till, stated that Mason, who does not have a brother, was “ashamed” of his actions. Mason was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court by Recorder Andrew Easteal, who handed down a three-year community order. This order includes a requirement for Mason to participate in a rehabilitation activity for 40 days.

Additionally, Mason was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will remain in effect until further notice. He was also registered on the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years. The judge emphasized the seriousness of Mason’s conduct, noting that although Mason poked the victim multiple times and touched his side beneath his shirt, the incident did not escalate further, and the victim was able to escape the situation.

In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Easteal highlighted the impact of Mason’s actions on the young victim, stating, “You distressed and frightened a 14-year-old boy. He, understandably, now is very anxious when out in public. He is anxious about using public transport and has lost a degree of his confidence. That is because of what you did to him on that bus. That is why it is so serious.” The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the offense and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from such misconduct.