WILLIAM ROBERTS AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN MERSEYSIDE
William Roberts, a 42-year-old man residing on Alpha Street in Bootle, Merseyside, was found guilty of multiple sexual offenses against a young girl over a period of approximately six months.The disturbing case was brought to light after Roberts’s mental health and excessive alcohol consumption led to his hospitalization, during which he inadvertently admitted his crimes.
According to court proceedings held at Liverpool Crown Court, Roberts's involvement in the abuse was exposed after he was admitted to hospital amid concerns about his psychological state.
During his stay, he confided in his sister, revealing distressing details about his actions.
He claimed not to understand what was real anymore, asserting that he believed his young victim was plotting to kill him.
These statements raised alarm bells, leading to further investigation.
The prosecution, led by Peter Killen, detailed that Roberts confessed to hearing voices in his head during the past eight months, compelling him to engage in inappropriate contact with the victim, a schoolgirl.
Roberts admitted to police that he had been touched her on the bottom and chest, over her clothing, on multiple occasions.
His confessional was captured during police interviews as he described the voices instructing him to touch her.
The court heard that the victim confronted Roberts at one point, a moment which left her feeling deeply disturbed.
She recounted that Roberts started crying in response to her confrontation, and during video-link proceedings from HMP Altcourse, Roberts told her, “I can’t help it.” His words suggested a plea of remorse or perhaps a plea for understanding, but they also underscored the severity of his actions.
When questioned further after his arrest, Roberts insisted that he had been hearing voices instructing him to touch the girl but insisted that he had no sexual motive for his actions.
He described the girl as “beautiful” and “attractive,” which added a troubling dimension to the case.
Despite the voices urging him to commit more serious acts, Roberts claimed he would not follow through with a rape, indicating an awareness of the gravity of such acts.
A victim impact statement, read aloud in court on behalf of the girl’s mother, revealed the devastating effect Roberts’s actions had on her daughter.
The mother expressed her anguish, stating that Roberts had taken a lively, confident girl and shattered her self-esteem and spirit.
She shared her ongoing pain, explaining, “I will never recover from this, but we will slowly start to rebuild our lives.
Our lives are devastated.” The mother also expressed concern for other potential victims, emphasizing the importance of the court’s role in preventing Roberts from harming anyone else.
She voiced her worry that the trauma inflicted might leave permanent scars.
Roberts, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault.
In sentencing, Recorder Ian Harris condemned his actions, imposing a sentence of three years in prison.
In addition to the custodial term, Roberts was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, a notification requirement, and a restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim or similar individuals in the future.
