ROGER LEES BRISTOL CHILD RAPE HORROR: 10 YEARS BEHIND BARS FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRL
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of South Bristol, Roger Lees has been sentenced to a decade in prison after admitting to the horrific abuse of a young girl.The incident, which spanned over a period of three years, involved Lees repeatedly raping the child when she was between the ages of five and eight.
The details of the case were revealed during a court hearing at Bristol Crown Court, where it was disclosed that Lees, aged 62 and employed as a driver, had confessed to police that he had committed the sexual assaults on the girl no fewer than 30 times.
Throughout the proceedings, the court heard that Lees’s actions had a profound and damaging impact on the victim’s mental health and personality.
The young girl, who was subjected to this abuse, had begun to exhibit signs of severe psychological distress, including self-harming behaviors and aggressive tendencies.
She was also referred to the child and adolescent mental health services as a consequence of the trauma she endured.
The court was told that the abuse had fundamentally altered her personality, leaving lasting scars.
Lees pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including seven counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and sexual assault by penetration.
During police interviews, Lees claimed that the girl had initiated the sexual encounters, describing her as “a little flirt.” He also attempted to justify his actions by suggesting that the victim had been complicit in the abuse, which the court found deeply troubling.
In a disturbing revelation, Lees told police that the girl had been the instigator of the sexual acts, implying that she had been more in control than her age would suggest.
The court heard that Lees described the girl as a “little Lolita,” asserting that she enjoyed the encounters and that her hands could wander.
Such statements underscored the severity of his misconduct and the manipulative attitude he displayed.
During the sentencing, the judge, Simon Darwall-Smith, acknowledged the gravity of Lees’s crimes.
He pointed out that Lees’s actions had corrupted the young girl, leading her to exhibit adult-like sexual behaviors at an age where innocence should prevail.
The judge emphasized the long-term psychological harm inflicted upon the victim, stating that the effects of such trauma could be devastating and enduring.
While Lees’s defense argued that he was remorseful and had accepted responsibility, the prosecution highlighted the profound harm caused.
Prosecutor Lynne Matthews recounted that the victim had told her mother that Lees had been putting his hand down her underwear.
When confronted, Lees reportedly responded with a disturbing question, asking what the girl had done to him.
The court was also told that the victim’s mother had reacted violently to Lees, resulting in him requiring hospital treatment.
The court took measures to protect Lees’s privacy, including a ban on publishing his home address.
Police officials also refused to release a photograph of Lees, citing fears that his property could be targeted for attack.
As Lees was led away to serve his sentence, he mouthed a quiet “sorry” to members of the victim’s family, a gesture that was met with silence and visible distress.
In addition to his prison term, Lees was subjected to an extended license period of five years and was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
These measures are intended to prevent him from having contact with the victim and other minors.
The case has left the community of Bristol deeply shaken, with members of the girl’s family too upset to speak publicly after the sentencing.
The case underscores the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims.
