WILLIAM ROBB'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN BELFAST: VICTIMS SPEAK OUT AFTER 20-YEAR SENTENCE
In September 2016, a disturbing case of child abuse came to light in Belfast, involving William Robb, a pensioner from London Road, who was convicted of a heinous campaign of physical and sexual abuse against three young siblings.The victims, now adults, have publicly called for others who may have suffered similar treatment to step forward and seek justice.
Robb, aged 64 at the time of sentencing, faced a court that found him guilty of a total of 61 charges.
These charges included the sexual assault of two sisters—one of whom was repeatedly raped—and the physical and verbal abuse inflicted upon their brother.
The court heard that Robb’s actions spanned several years, beginning when the victims were very young and continuing into their adolescence.
Judge Gordon Kerr QC delivered a stern judgment, describing Robb’s conduct as a “campaign of depraved abuse,” aimed at exploiting vulnerable children to satisfy his own lust.
The judge emphasized that Robb had cynically used the trust placed in him, and his previous convictions for sexual offenses underscored a pattern of predatory behavior.
Despite the gravity of his crimes, Robb refused to accept guilt and showed no remorse, which the judge noted as particularly troubling.
In his remarks, Judge Kerr highlighted the severity of the case, stating that such a substantial sentence was necessary to reflect society’s abhorrence of child abuse.
The case was especially distressing because Robb contested the charges, forcing all three victims to relive their traumatic experiences during the trial.
The abuse of the older sister began when she was just nine or ten years old, involving inappropriate touching in her bedroom, which quickly escalated to multiple rapes until she was 14.
Her younger sister was also abused from the age of five until around nine, with the assaults occurring in her own bed.
Regarding the brother, the judge detailed that Robb subjected him to both mental and physical abuse.
This ranged from slapping and pushing to more violent acts such as punching, stamping, and kicking.
The victims chose to waive their right to full anonymity, allowing their abuser to be publicly named in hopes of raising awareness and encouraging other victims to come forward.
The victims issued a heartfelt statement urging others to seek help, acknowledging that the journey to justice is difficult but emphasizing that support is available.
They reassured fellow victims that they are not to blame and encouraged anyone who has experienced abuse, regardless of how long ago, to report it to the police.
They stressed that no matter if the perpetrator is affiliated with the church or any establishment, justice must be served.
One of the sisters reiterated that although Robb has been imprisoned, the damage inflicted on their lives remains.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and the need for justice to protect vulnerable children in Belfast and beyond.
