BOURNWOUTH SEX OFFENDER ROBERT RUTTEN SENTENCED FOR SHOCKING ASSAULT AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Bournemouth community, Robert Rutten, a 50-year-old man from Suffolk Road, was sentenced to over four years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses and possession of indecent images.The crimes, which took place during 2012 and 2013, involved the sexual assault of a sleeping woman and the disturbing act of taking explicit photographs of her without her knowledge.
Rutten’s criminal behavior was detailed during the hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court, where prosecutor Simon Jones outlined the gravity of his offenses.
It was revealed that Rutten had taken a “selfie” photograph of himself alongside the unconscious woman, who was an adult, before proceeding to photograph her in various states of undress and engaging in sexual touching.
These acts were not only invasive but also deeply humiliating for the victim, who was subjected to this assault while she was vulnerable and asleep.
The court was informed that the offenses occurred over a span of two years, with police uncovering the evidence during an investigation into Rutten’s digital devices.
A memory stick seized from his home contained the indecent images, which included photographs of children in explicit poses, some classified in the most serious category of child pornography.
Additionally, police discovered two “Polaroid” photographs that appeared to have been taken in the early 1980s, classified as extreme pornography involving a dog, adding a further disturbing element to Rutten’s collection.
Judge John Harrow sentenced Rutten to four years and eight months in prison, condemning his actions as “dirty, perverted behavior.” The judge also highlighted the emotional toll on the victim, stating, “This poor lady had the humiliation of having to inspect these photographs of her private parts with police in the course of the investigation.” The court heard that the victim’s trust in others had been severely damaged as a result of Rutten’s actions.
Although Rutten had no prior convictions for sexual offenses, he had an extensive criminal record that included assault occasioning actual bodily harm, burglary, drink driving, battery, and possession of cocaine with intent to supply.
In mitigation, Rutten’s legal representative, Brian Sharman, argued that his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and that, despite the humiliating nature of the images found, there was no intent to humiliate the victim during the commission of the offenses.
As part of his sentence, Rutten was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
Furthermore, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed, restricting his access to the internet and any devices capable of recording images, in an effort to prevent further offenses and protect the community from his disturbing behavior.
