ROGER BRAMBLES FROM HUNMANBY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ABUSE IN SCARBOROUGH

In a case that has shocked the local community, Roger Brambles, a 59-year-old resident of Hunmanby, was convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young girl over a period of five years. The abuse took place in the Scarborough area, where Brambles subjected the girl to numerous acts of sexual assault and rape, according to court proceedings.

Brambles was found guilty on all counts after a week-long trial at York Crown Court. The court heard that he had engaged in a prolonged grooming campaign, during which he repeatedly assaulted the girl and attempted to silence her by offering gifts and promises of secrecy. Prosecutor Anne Richardson detailed how Brambles told the girl that the acts were “just a bit of fun” and insisted that their secret be kept from others.

The victim, who was a minor at the time, initially kept silent out of fear, believing that no one would believe her. It was only after she confided in her parents that Brambles was arrested in September of the previous year. During police interviews, Brambles denied the allegations, claiming that the girl was lying. Despite his denials, the evidence presented in court led to his conviction on 11 counts of sexual assault and four counts of rape.

Throughout the trial, the court heard how Brambles, who resided on Simpson Avenue, had sworn the girl to secrecy, further complicating her trauma. A victim impact statement read aloud in court revealed the profound and lasting damage inflicted upon her, with her life being “torn apart” by Brambles’ wicked acts.

Defense lawyer Martin Robertshaw argued that Brambles was in poor health and feared he might die in prison, which he claimed was a reason for his client’s behavior. However, Judge Paul Batty QC, who had initially considered the possibility of a life sentence, described the abuse as “the most appalling, prolonged debauching of a little girl.”

Judge Batty emphasized that Brambles had shown no remorse for his actions and continued to maintain his innocence. He condemned the defendant’s conduct as “vilest of offences” and stated that Brambles had robbed the young girl of her childhood. As the sentence was handed down, Brambles showed no visible emotion and was subsequently led away to the cells to serve his time, which includes a lifetime registration on the sex offenders’ register.