AARON ROBINSON FROM LONDON COLNEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN ST ALBANS

In October 2016, a serious case involving a man from London Colney who played a role in facilitating the sexual abuse of a young girl came before the courts, drawing significant attention to issues of child safety and criminal accountability. Aaron Duwayne Robinson, aged 28, was the central figure in this disturbing incident that unfolded in and around the town of London Colney, a suburb known for its quiet residential areas and proximity to larger urban centers.

Robinson was sentenced to a term of 32 months in prison at St Albans Crown Court in June of that year. The court proceedings revealed that Robinson, who became a father for the first time while serving his sentence, had pleaded guilty to charges related to facilitating a child sexual offence. The case centered on his actions involving a 12-year-old girl, who, for legal reasons, cannot be named. The court heard that Robinson had driven the young girl to a hotel, where she was subjected to sexual abuse, an act that has sparked widespread concern and condemnation.

Mr. Justice Dove, presiding over the case, addressed the Court of Appeal in London, emphasizing that Robinson had actively arranged to meet the girl through social media platforms. Evidence presented during the trial included a text message from Robinson to a friend, in which he referred to the girl as a “dirty slag” after driving her to the hotel, and inquired whether the friend wanted “a piece,” indicating a disturbing attitude and intent.

Further details revealed that hotel staff had become suspicious of the young girl’s presence, raising concerns about her welfare. The court was also informed that both Robinson and the girl appeared to have intentions of using drugs together, adding another layer of concern to the case. Following the initial incident, Robinson took the girl to another hotel, where she was sexually assaulted by an accomplice of his. Mr. Justice Dove explained that Robinson left the girl in the company of his co-accused, and sexual activity took place between her and the other man, further implicating Robinson in the chain of events.

Robinson’s guilty plea was based on the belief that the girl, who appeared to be more mature than her age, was actually 17. His legal team challenged the severity of his sentence, arguing that his role was limited to driving the victim to the second hotel and that he was unaware of her true age. They also contested the sexual harm prevention order that was imposed alongside his sentence, seeking to have it overturned.

However, the judges, including Mr. Justice Dove, Lady Justice Hallett, and Mr. Justice King, dismissed these arguments. Mr. Justice Dove stated that there was clear evidence of planning and intent, noting that Robinson had maintained contact with the girl over a period of time, texting another individual and arranging for her to be available for sexual activity. The court found that the sentence of 32 months was appropriate and not manifestly excessive.

Despite upholding the prison sentence, the Court of Appeal decided to overturn Robinson’s five-year sexual harm prevention order. Mr. Justice Dove concluded that such an order was unnecessary for the protection of the public, children, or vulnerable adults in this case, indicating that the court did not see a continued risk warranting such measures. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in safeguarding minors and highlights the importance of vigilance in cases involving social media and hotel environments in the London Colney area.