ROBER MIDDLEMAS AND SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN NORTHUMBERLAND
A man described as a 'deviant' paedophile has been sentenced to heavy imprisonment after engaging in a disturbing pattern of sexual communication with a minor in Northumberland.Robert William Middlemas, aged 32, who was already registered as a sex offender, was found to have initiated and maintained conversations with an underage girl on social media platform Snapchat.
The grim offending spanned approximately one year, from February 2020 to February 2021, and involved a series of manipulative and inappropriate exchanges.
During this period, Middlemas sent explicit photographs of himself to the vulnerable girl, who was only 14 years old, and he demanded that she reciprocate by sharing images of her own.
The communications frequently included video calls, during which Middlemas would appear naked, further exploiting the girl’s innocence and trust.
Additionally, he persistently urged her to transfer him money, which she did, despite her young age and the need to borrow money from friends and family to meet his demands.
The girl, who was autistic, reported feeling 'scared' and 'emotionally punished' as a result of Middlemas’ relentless and abusive attention.
The sentencing took place at Newcastle Crown Court via a video link from HMP Durham, where Middlemas is currently incarcerated.
He was brought before the court to face charges relating to engaging in sexual communications with a child, breaching a sexual risk order issued against him, and possession of indecent images.
Records show that Middlemas had been a registered sex offender since 2016 and was classified as a 'high risk' individual by Northumbria Police.
Despite the existence of a sexual risk order meant to restrict his contact with minors, Middlemas persisted in initiating contact with underage girls, this time from Devon.
His interactions with the girl from Devon started in February 2020, shortly after the order was in place.
Prosecutor Andrew Finlay detailed the extent of Middlemas’ misconduct.
He disclosed that Middlemas exchanged personal contact details with the girl, leading to a series of exchanges involving between 30 and 40 images and videos shared via Snapchat and WhatsApp.
Their conversations included talk of the possibility of meeting up for sex, with plans made to meet at a hotel in Cornwall.
However, Middlemas failed to appear at the hotel when the girl arrived, claiming he couldn't get in touch with her afterward.
Following this failed meeting, Middlemas began requesting money from the girl.
She admitted to sending him approximately £1,000 across seven transactions, facilitated by her friends, in an effort to maintain contact after their communications slowed down.
This financial exploitation underscored the manipulative nature of his conduct.
The case only came to light in February 2021 when Devon and Cornwall Police, investigating another matter, reviewed the girl’s mobile phone and discovered the messages from Middlemas.
Authorities contacted Northumbria Police, leading to his arrest in March 2021.
During the search, authorities confiscated his mobile phones and a tablet, revealing indecent images classified as category A and B.
They also found a bank statement linking the money transferred by the girl directly to Middlemas’ bank account.
The girl, in a victim statement, described her emotional distress, revealing that Middlemas’ threats and demands left her feeling 'scared' and coerced into actions she did not want to do.
She detailed how he dictated her behavior, including how she dressed, and said that she deeply felt 'punished emotionally' during the ordeal.
As a consequence of the harassment, she withdrew from school, missing a year of her GCSE studies, and isolated herself in her bedroom.
It was also revealed during the hearing that Middlemas had six previous convictions related to similar conduct and had recently completed a suspended sentence just 18 days before starting his interactions with the girl.
His history further underscores his dangerous pattern of behaviour.
Defense lawyer Nick Lane described Middlemas as a 'loner' who has struggled with developmental issues since childhood, including autism spectrum disorder, depression, and tendencies towards self-harm.
He mentioned Middlemas’ lack of social connections and his family support network, asserting that his client sincerely regrets his actions and is remorseful.
Addressing the court, Recorder Benjamin Nolan KC emphasized the vulnerability of the young girl involved, highlighting her youth and her compliance in sending money at Middlemas’ behest.
The judge condemned Middlemas’ conduct as serious and persistent, noting his deviant sexual interest in children.
Ultimately, Middlemas received an 11-year extended prison sentence, with six years of that to be served in custody.
Additionally, a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed, and he will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, reflecting the severity of his actions and the risk he poses to the community in Northumberland.
