ROBERT PEARCE OF BERMONDSEY CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENCES IN CROYDON
A man from Bermondsey, Robert Pearce, aged 54, has been found guilty of numerous sexual offences committed over a period of nearly twenty years.The conviction follows a trial at Croydon Crown Court that concluded yesterday, Tuesday, April 12.
Pearce was convicted of 23 offences, including five counts of rape and twelve counts of indecent assault.
His crimes involved six young girls aged between seven and sixteen, with incidents spanning from 1999 to 2017.
Police revealed that one of the offences was reported in 2020, which prompted an investigation that eventually encouraged several additional victims to come forward.
During the investigation, authorities disclosed that Pearce exploited his role as a leader in a live action roleplay group to groom and abuse the minors attending these events.
PC Helen French, who led the investigation, stated, "Pearce took complete advantage of these young girls and his actions have undoubtedly had a significant impact on all of their lives.
I want to commend their courage and bravery in speaking to police and providing the evidence which has proved vital to his conviction." She added, "I hope this prosecution shows that we take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously, no matter how much time has passed.
I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such abuse to come forward and speak to us.
We have specialist officers who will listen and support you." Robert Pearce is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20.
