ROBIN KING SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF THREE-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SWINDON
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Swindon, Robin King has been convicted and sentenced for the heinous sexual abuse of a vulnerable three-year-old girl.The incident took place in March of the previous year, while King was entrusted with babysitting the young victim.
The court proceedings revealed the gravity of the offense and the subsequent legal actions taken against him.
Robin King, aged 37 and residing on Priory Road, Park South, Swindon, faced charges of two counts of sexual assault against a child under 13.
He initially pleaded not guilty to these accusations when he appeared before Swindon Crown Court.
However, after a rigorous two-day trial, a jury composed of seven men and five women deliberated for approximately an hour and a half before reaching a unanimous verdict of guilt on both counts.
The court was informed that the abuse occurred during a period when King was babysitting the young girl.
The court heard that the assault was particularly egregious given the child's age and vulnerability.
The prosecution presented evidence indicating that prior to his arrest, King attempted to cover his tracks by cutting his fingernails and washing his clothes, actions that could have been an effort to destroy evidence related to the crime.
Judge Tim Mousley QC sentenced King to five and a half years in prison.
In addition to his custodial sentence, King will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which will impose restrictions on his liberty to prevent further offending.
The judge emphasized the serious impact of the crime, not only on the young victim but also on her family.
He expressed concern about the long-term effects of the abuse and the heavy burden that her parents will carry in dealing with its aftermath.
During the sentencing, Judge Mousley acknowledged the vulnerability of the victim due to her age, which placed her in a particularly dangerous position.
After reviewing a presentence report, the judge stated that he did not believe King posed a significant risk of serious harm in the future, though this assessment was made with some hesitation.
Defense counsel Rob Ross expressed that his client was still coming to terms with the verdict and was committed to rehabilitation.
Ross indicated that King intended to participate in courses within custody aimed at addressing his offending behavior, which probation services deemed necessary.
Despite his denial of the charges, Ross emphasized that the long-term protection of the public was paramount and that efforts toward rehabilitation could help prevent future offenses.
Earlier in May 2016, the court had already warned that King faced a lengthy jail term following his conviction.
The prosecution had sought a sexual offences prevention order to restrict his liberty upon release, and the judge had remanded him into custody to allow for a pre-sentence report.
The court was particularly focused on assessing whether King posed a future risk of harm to children, which could influence the length and conditions of his sentence.
The judge also highlighted that if King was deemed dangerous under the Criminal Justice Act 2013, he could face an extended period of supervision or even a life sentence, with the possibility of serving two-thirds of his custodial term before eligibility for parole.
King's case remains scheduled for a follow-up hearing in approximately three weeks, during which the pre-sentence report will be considered, and the final sentencing decision will be made based on the assessment of his risk to the public and the severity of his crimes.
