CLAIRE ROUNDILL FROM ANLABY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING SCHOOLBOY IN HULL

In October 2012, Hull Crown Court heard a disturbing case involving Claire Louise Roundill, a 32-year-old woman from Anlaby, who was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a minor and related offenses. The case revealed a series of troubling interactions between Roundill and two teenage brothers, one aged 15 and the other 17, which culminated in her becoming pregnant and facing criminal charges.

According to court proceedings, Roundill, a mother of three, initially supplied cannabis to the 15-year-old boy and sent him explicit photographs of herself. She then drove him to Hessle Foreshore, where they engaged in sexual intercourse. During her testimony, Roundill claimed she was unaware of the boy’s age at the time of their first encounter but admitted to having sex with him again once she learned he was under the age of consent.

The court also learned that Roundill was simultaneously involved in a relationship with the 17-year-old brother of the 15-year-old. She became pregnant during this period, but she was uncertain which of the two boys was the father of her unborn child. It was later revealed that she had an abortion after discovering her pregnancy.

Prosecutor Jharna Jobes detailed the extent of her interactions with the younger brother, stating that she sent him numerous text messages—up to 100 daily—and shared six images of herself in various states of undress. The court heard that the pair met in person, drove to Hessle Foreshore, and had sex in her car. The relationship persisted even after the boy turned 16, with Roundill allegedly telling him she was pregnant and unsure of the paternity.

During the trial, the court was informed that Roundill had also supplied cannabis to the boys, which she admitted. The 15-year-old boy’s victim impact statement expressed relief that she had pleaded guilty, stating, “I’m really relived she has pleaded guilty and it is finally over.”

Throughout the proceedings, Roundill was visibly emotional, weeping as details of her relationships with the teenagers were disclosed. Her defense lawyer, Charlotte Baines, acknowledged her client’s initial ignorance of the boy’s age and her subsequent actions once she was aware. Baines also highlighted her client’s personal struggles, including financial difficulties and marital problems, suggesting she was not the typical candidate for immediate imprisonment.

In sentencing, Judge John Dowse sentenced Roundill to nine months in prison, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years. The judge emphasized the seriousness of her offenses, stating, “The court must mark its displeasure at this offence. You now have a criminal record for the rest of your life.” He further warned her that any future misconduct could result in immediate imprisonment, noting that her actions had a significant impact on the young victims and that her pregnancy added to the gravity of her crimes.