ROBIN HARRIS FROM PETERBOROUGH SLAPPED WITH SUSPENDED SENTENCE AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE BOY
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Peterborough, Robin Harris, aged 49, of Holmes Way, was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court for his involvement in the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy.The incident has left the boy’s family devastated and has raised serious concerns about trust and safety within the local community.
Harris, who previously worked as a bus driver for a local service provider, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a minor during a hearing held prior to the sentencing.
On Thursday, Judge Peter Murphy handed down a sentence of 12 months in prison, which was suspended for a period of one year.
Additionally, Harris was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order that will remain in effect for five years, explicitly prohibiting him from having unsupervised contact with boys under the age of 16.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for the next five years.
The case has garnered significant attention, especially from the victim’s mother, who expressed her profound disappointment and anger following the court’s decision.
She stated, “I did expect a prison sentence for him, and I was hoping for a prison sentence.
He was a bus driver and misused the trust he was given.
He should have been forced to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.” The young boy, whose identity is protected by law, only confided in his mother about the abuse after she noticed suspicious activity involving money being added to his online gaming account.
She recounted, “We have been through hell.
He went from being a happy, normal 14-year-old to one who would not go out on his own.
He does not trust people like he used to.
He still worries, and he thinks it seems that Harris has got away with it.” Her suspicions were aroused when she noticed an unusual amount of money credited to her son’s PlayStation account.
When she questioned her son about the source of the funds, he was hesitant and did not initially tell the truth.
Eventually, she encouraged him to write down what had happened, which led to the revelation of the abuse.
During the court proceedings, Claire Matthews, representing Harris, argued that a suspended sentence was appropriate, emphasizing that her client was remorseful and ashamed of his actions.
However, Judge Murphy highlighted the breach of trust involved in the case, noting that while the offence was serious, it was not as grave as other similar cases that come before the courts.
The judge also expressed hope that no lasting harm had been inflicted on the victim.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Amey, the company responsible for the bus service Harris worked for, stated, “As soon as we were made aware of the allegations, we immediately suspended the individual in question and revoked his licence.
He is no longer employed by Amey.” This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the devastating impact of abuse within trusted roles, leaving the community to grapple with the aftermath of this troubling incident involving a local bus driver from Peterborough.
