ADRIAN ROSE FROM ALDERSHOT AND NORWICH JAILED FOR PREDATORY SEX OFFENSES INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Aldershot and Norwich, Adrian Rose, a 36-year-old army sergeant reservist attached to the Royal Military Police in Aldershot, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The conviction follows a meticulous investigation and a swift judicial process that highlighted the dangers posed by this predatory individual.

It all began when two vigilant Norwich police officers, PCs Andy Oliver and Jon Graves, noticed a vehicle parked on the Broadland Business Park near Norwich. The car, which had heavily tinted windows, appeared out of place during their routine patrol. Their suspicion was piqued, prompting them to approach the vehicle for a check. During their investigation, they discovered a 12-year-old girl inside the car, which was a shocking revelation that ultimately led to Rose’s arrest.

The police’s quick and decisive action was instrumental in uncovering the full extent of Rose’s criminal activities. Following the discovery, Rose was detained and taken into custody. It was revealed that he had been grooming the young girl through various online messaging platforms, specifically Blackberry Messenger, which is known for its encrypted messaging capabilities. The court heard that Rose had posed as an 18 or 19-year-old to gain the girl’s trust, engaging in conversations that quickly escalated to plans for meeting in person for sexual activity.

Rose’s criminal charges included seven counts of rape, six counts of abducting the girl, and meeting a child through sexual grooming. Despite his denials, the evidence presented at Norwich Crown Court was overwhelming. The jury took less than two hours to find Rose guilty on all 14 counts. The court was told that Rose had traveled from his residence at Rochester Drive, Westcliffe-on-Sea, Essex, formerly of St Omars Barrack on Thornhill Road, to Norwich with the intent of meeting the girl for sexual purposes.

Judge Stephen Holt, presiding over the case, described Rose’s behavior as “highly predatory” and noted that he had engaged in careful planning to carry out his malicious intent. The judge emphasized that Rose’s actions were driven solely by a desire to have sex with an underage girl, specifically a 12-year-old. He also highlighted the importance of the police officers’ intervention, stating that if they had not stopped Rose’s car, he might have continued his dangerous behavior unchecked.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Holt condemned Rose’s conduct, stating that his actions had a “profound effect” on the victim, who was present in court with her family to witness the sentencing. The judge also ordered Rose to be placed on the sex offenders register for life and imposed a sexual offences prevention order. This order bans him from using Blackberry messaging and places restrictions on his access to social networking sites, aiming to prevent further harm.

During the trial, the court learned that Rose had met the girl through online messaging and had arranged to meet her in Norwich before the police intervention. The police investigation was triggered when officers noticed Rose’s vehicle parked in an unusual spot and decided to investigate further. When they approached the car, they found the girl, who appeared to be slightly distressed, with her trousers unzipped. The officers questioned her about her well-being and her parents’ knowledge of her whereabouts. It was during this interaction that the girl disclosed her meeting with Rose and her age.

The police then initiated a serious sexual offences protocol, and a message was circulated to stop Rose’s vehicle. He was subsequently arrested in Essex after police tracked his car. Detective Constable Steve Graves, who led the investigation, expressed hope that the victim and her family could now begin to move forward with their lives, acknowledging her courage in coming forward.

Representing Rose in court, Roger Daniells-Smith described him as a “sad character,” emphasizing his long-standing service in the army and his loss of contact with his family. He noted that Rose had worked diligently in the military, reaching a position of authority, and that the army had supported him during his trial. However, with his conviction, Rose faced the prospect of being discharged from the military, which would be a difficult transition for him. Daniells-Smith also mentioned that Rose had sold his house at a loss and had no assets to cover any potential costs associated with the case.

PC Andy Oliver and PC Jon Graves, the officers who first discovered the girl, expressed their relief at having uncovered the crime. They stated that their primary role was to serve and protect, and while they were pleased to have taken a dangerous individual off the streets, they believed this case was an exception rather than the rule. PC Oliver remarked, “It’s something police officers do every day. You see something out of place in your area and you check it out. It’s just not every day you come across an offence like that.”

Both officers expressed concern that Rose’s confidence and polished demeanor suggested he might have committed similar offenses before, raising fears of additional victims. PC Graves reflected on the significance of the day, calling it “one of my better days at work,” and emphasizing the importance of proactive policing in safeguarding children from predators.

The case also shed light on the methods used by Rose to groom his victim, including online messaging and planning to meet in Norwich. The police investigation revealed that Rose’s vehicle was parked in a suspicious manner, prompting the officers to approach. The girl’s subsequent disclosure about her age and meeting with Rose confirmed the worst fears, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Graves expressed hope that the victim and her family could find some peace and begin to rebuild their lives. An army spokesperson also issued a statement, reaffirming that anyone failing to meet the army’s high standards would face disciplinary action, including dismissal, highlighting the seriousness with which such conduct is regarded within military ranks.