COLIN ROBINSON SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN ST ALBANS AND RICKMANSWORTH

In a case that has shocked the local community, Colin Robinson, a 44-year-old man from St Albans, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years after being found guilty of heinous sexual offences, including the rape of a young girl. The conviction was handed down at St Albans Crown Court following a detailed trial that lasted an entire week, during which Robinson maintained his innocence despite overwhelming evidence against him.

Robinson, who was previously residing on Wilshire Avenue in St Albans and later at Heron Close in Rickmansworth, was convicted of raping a girl under the age of 13, along with ten other sexual offences. The jury, composed of six men and six women, deliberated for several hours before returning their guilty verdicts on a Monday afternoon. The judge, Judge John Plumstead, immediately sentenced Robinson to 18 years in prison, a punishment that reflects the severity of his crimes.

Throughout the trial, Robinson consistently denied the allegations. When questioned by police and during his testimony in court, he claimed innocence and expressed shock at the accusations. His arrest took place at his workplace, Area Cars, located on Uxbridge Road in Rickmansworth, on July 29 of the previous year. The arrest followed a report from a girl, who for legal reasons cannot be identified, alleging that Robinson had committed sexual offences against her. It is important to note that the police confirmed the offences were unrelated to Robinson’s employment at the taxi firm.

Following his arrest, Robinson was suspended from his position at Area Cars. Prior to these events, he had no criminal record and was regarded as a responsible individual. His colleagues at the taxi firm, where he also worked as a controller, expressed their shock and disgust upon learning of his conviction. Graham, the manager who preferred to be identified only by his first name, stated, “We are utterly amazed, shocked and disgusted. They [former colleagues] are shocked and sickened by the nature of the crime. They are very surprised. They thought he would be found not guilty, therefore to get the guilty verdict and 18 years is something that has blown people away.”

During his time in court, Robinson, who has a background as a driving instructor and lorry driver, claimed he was “totally shocked” when he was arrested. He insisted he was not attracted to young girls and could not understand why the girl had made such allegations against him. The court also heard that the complainant was described as a “drama queen” and had previously told police that a man in a white van had attempted to abduct her. Officer Clare Ramirez, involved in the case, admitted during cross-examination that there were concerns about the credibility of the girl’s account of the attempted abduction, questioning whether her claims were plausible.

As part of his sentence, Judge Plumstead ordered Robinson to be banned from working with children for life and mandated that he register as a sex offender, complying with all related legal requirements. Detective Inspector Martin Brace of Hertfordshire Police expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We are very pleased with the outcome of this case and feel that the sentencing suitably reflects the gravity of the offences committed. The victim in this case showed tremendous courage in coming forward. The constabulary is committed to tackling those who sexually abuse children and we would urge anyone who believes they have been a victim of such crimes to come forward, no matter how long ago the offences occurred.”

He further emphasized the police’s dedication to pursuing justice, adding, “This sentencing also sends out a message to any other victims that Hertfordshire Constabulary will fully investigate these crimes and work hard with the Crown Prosecution Service to secure convictions.”