ROBERT VAN HALTEREN JAILED FOR RAPE IN PAIGNTON AND SOUTH CERNEY

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Paignton and South Cerney, a man named Robert van Halteren has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for a heinous crime committed on Christmas Day. The incident took place at the Elliott Arms, a hotel located in South Cerney, Gloucestershire, where van Halteren was employed as a chef.

According to court proceedings, van Halteren, who resides on Queen Elizabeth Drive in Paignton, Devon, engaged in a sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl during a festive gathering at the hotel. The girl, who was attending the party, initially tried to avoid the advances of her attacker by pretending to be asleep. However, she later awoke to find van Halteren naked and on top of her, an act that has left her psychologically scarred.

Prosecutor Nick Fridd detailed the emotional toll the assault has taken on the young girl. He explained that she has become increasingly withdrawn, now exhibiting signs of fear towards men and taking measures such as locking her door when she sleeps. The trauma inflicted by the attack has had a profound impact on her mental health, leading to significant psychological damage.

Van Halteren, who had no prior criminal record, has now been placed on the sex offenders register for life, reflecting the severity of his crime. During the court hearing, his defense attorney, Giles Nelson, expressed remorse on behalf of his client. Nelson stated, “It was a night that the defendant bitterly regrets and it is one that has destroyed his life. He feels utterly disgusted at the way he behaved.”

He further added that van Halteren, who celebrated his 34th birthday just a day before Christmas, has suffered substantial personal and professional consequences. The chef has lost his job and is now facing financial difficulties, including the threat of bankruptcy.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC addressed van Halteren directly, emphasizing the gravity of the crime. “This was the rape of a child,” he said. “The reports describe you as a decent and hardworking man, but this incident was a moment of extraordinary selfishness brought about by alcohol. You are not a predatory paedophile, but you were a very drunk man that night. This was a dreadful misjudgment fueled by alcohol.”

The case underscores the devastating impact of alcohol-fueled decisions and highlights the importance of accountability for such serious offenses, especially those involving minors. The communities of Paignton and South Cerney are left to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing incident.