ROBERT STRINGER PREDATOR IN CHRISTCHURCH: GROOMED AND ABUSED NINE-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In March 2004, a disturbing case of child abuse emerged involving Robert Stringer, a man from Christchurch who exploited his position of trust to prey on a young girl. Stringer, described by police as a “very dangerous” individual, was ultimately sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court to serve three years in prison for his heinous crimes.

Stringer, whose residence is in Purewell, Christchurch, had previously been convicted of molesting a child. Despite this, he was released from prison on licence, raising serious concerns about the oversight of his case. The family involved, who had initially hired Stringer to work on their garden for their three children, now faces the devastating aftermath of his betrayal. They have decided to move away from their home, which is filled with painful memories of the abuse.

The mother of the victim recounted how her children would often be in the garden while Stringer was working there, playing with small gardening tools and mimicking his actions. She explained, “They would be in the garden when he was out there and they would have little gardening tools and copy everything he did.” After his sentencing, she revealed that Stringer would sometimes join the children in their playroom, where he would cuddle and play with them. He claimed to be a married man who loved children but said his wife did not want any children of their own.

At the time, the probation service believed Stringer was employed as a van driver and had no contact with children, which contributed to the false sense of security. The abuse was uncovered only after the young girl confided in her mother about her experiences. The mother shared, “She said she wanted to tell me something and didn’t want me to be cross with her. She said he’d touched her in a different way to the way we cuddled her. She didn’t like it.”

Following her disclosure, the family contacted the police for advice. Recognising Stringer, officers promptly arrested him. The mother expressed the profound impact of the ordeal, stating, “It’s turned our lives upside down. She has panic attacks, nightmares and won’t go into the garden. The whole point of Stringer being here was to make this garden area for the children — he’s ruined that now.” She also issued a warning to other parents, emphasizing the importance of listening to children if they disclose any inappropriate behavior: “I’d say to parents: if your child says something has happened — don’t dismiss it.”

Stringer, a former postman, pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault and was sentenced to two years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to serve the remaining 12 months of his previous sentence for assaulting a seven-year-old girl. The court disqualified him from working with children for life and mandated registration on the sex offenders’ register for ten years. Upon release, he will be subject to a three-year period of supervision on licence.

Prosecutor Matthew Scott detailed that Stringer began working for the family in May 2003, quickly becoming a trusted employee and friend. However, the abuse was uncovered in September when the girl returned home from school visibly upset and disclosed that Stringer had been touching her inappropriately. The family initially decided to monitor the situation, but on September 10, the girl again confided in her mother about Stringer’s inappropriate conduct.

Defending him, David Pickersgill described Stringer as a “hard-working married man” who acknowledged his problems. He added, “Mr Stringer recognises his problems. He recognises the pain and suffering felt by the victim and hopes she can put these experiences behind her.”

Judge Samuel Wiggs addressed Stringer directly, stating, “The probation officer’s view is that you were not only grooming the child but the family.” The mother concluded by reflecting on the emotional toll, saying, “It has had an effect on everybody in the family. I don’t think anything hurts as much as somebody hurting your child.”