ROBIN WHITE, SWADLINCOTE CHILD SEXUAL PREDATOR, SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN PRISON

An elderly man from Swadlincote has been publicly identified as a child sexual abuser following a series of disturbing allegations and subsequent court proceedings. Robin White, aged 65, who previously gained notoriety for his extensive collection of Smurf dolls, has now been convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual assault of a minor under the age of 16.

White, a retired lorry driver, was known for traveling across the country with his impressive collection of over 11,500 Smurf memorabilia, which he often displayed to children during his visits to various schools. His collection, which he once claimed to be the most extensive in the world, included thousands of figurines and related items, with reports indicating he had spent approximately £2,000 on his hobby and stored more than 10,000 Smurfs in his van.

The revelation of his true nature came after a victim, now an adult, came forward to testify in court. She recounted how, during her childhood, White assaulted her in a garden shed, using a sex toy during the attack. Her testimony was pivotal in securing his conviction. The court heard that White, who is a father of three, denied all charges, including six counts of rape and other related sexual offenses against a minor.

White’s trial took place at Derby Crown Court, where he was found guilty of multiple charges. On Thursday, he was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 16 years. In addition to his prison sentence, White was subjected to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, aimed at restricting his future interactions and safeguarding the community.

White’s background and his unusual hobby had previously attracted media attention, especially in 2017, when he claimed that his Smurf collection was the most extensive worldwide. His collection was notable not only for its size but also for the significant financial investment he made in it, with thousands of figurines stored in his van and displayed during his travels. His case has shocked the local community in Swadlincote and beyond, highlighting the dangers of hidden predatory behavior behind seemingly innocent hobbies.