ROBERT SKIRROW FROM GOOLE AND ILLINGWORTH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Goole and Illingworth, Robert Skirrow, a man with a troubling history of sexual misconduct and possession of indecent images of children, was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison at Hull Crown Court. The proceedings were marked by emotional outbursts, with Skirrow maintaining a stance of denial while his victim, now an adult, wept openly in the courtroom.

Judge Mark Bury addressed Skirrow directly, emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the findings of the probation service, which classified him as a significant danger to children. The judge highlighted that Skirrow posed a high risk of committing further serious sexual offences if given the opportunity. The case centered around a heinous act committed over 25 years ago, when Skirrow, then a taxi driver, assaulted a young boy in a house located directly opposite the Goole Police Station.

According to court records, Skirrow, aged 46 at the time of sentencing, had believed he had successfully evaded justice for his abuse of a boy aged between four and nine years old. He had convinced the child that the abuse was merely a game and had sworn him to secrecy, effectively silencing the victim for over two decades. It was only when the now adult victim decided to come forward and report the incident that Skirrow was finally brought to justice. His arrest in October of the previous year was a surprise to him, as he claimed to be “dumbfounded” when police officers appeared at his door.

In addition to the historic abuse case, Skirrow’s criminal record includes a conviction from November 2008, when he was sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to child exploitation. He was found guilty of possessing 16 indecent images of children, including two counts of distribution and 14 of possession, with the images dating back to June 2007. The court also heard that Skirrow attempted to pervert the course of justice by asking a family friend to take responsibility for the illegal activities involving his computer and the images.

Skirrow’s background as a sports coach and minibus driver for children with special needs added further concern. He was involved with several junior rugby teams, including Ovenden ARLFC, and served on the West Riding Youth Amateur League Committee. His employment with Calderdale Council as a driver-attendant for transporting children with special needs was terminated following his arrest. Martin Hibbins of Calderdale Council confirmed that Skirrow had been employed from November 2002 until his suspension in February and subsequent dismissal in September, after police investigations commenced. Despite rigorous background checks, no concerns were raised prior to his arrest.

The Rugby Football League also issued a statement, confirming that Skirrow had undergone an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check in August 2007, which cleared him to coach children. The organization stated that once they learned of the charges in February, Skirrow was immediately suspended, and all relevant leagues and clubs were notified to prevent further involvement.

Detective Constable Tony Chapman of Halifax CID underscored the seriousness of Skirrow’s offences, emphasizing that possession and distribution of indecent images of children are grave crimes that warrant thorough investigation and conviction. The custodial sentence handed down to Skirrow reflects the severity with which the justice system treats such offences, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.