DANIEL ROBINSON FROM DUNSTER EXPOSED AS CONVICTED CHILD RAPIST IN SCOTLAND YARD OPERATION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Dunster and the surrounding areas, Daniel Robinson, a man with a troubling criminal history, was recently unmasked as a convicted child rapist following a covert operation conducted by Scotland Yard. The investigation revealed that Robinson had been actively engaging in online predatory behavior, targeting vulnerable teenage girls through chat rooms and social media platforms.

Robinson, who is 34 years old and resides at Conygar View in Dunster, initially appeared to be a typical internet user. However, undercover police officers posing as minors uncovered his sinister intentions. In one particular incident, Robinson pretended to be a 17-year-old boy and initiated contact with a girl who was only 13 years old. During their online exchanges, he encouraged her to perform sexual acts and to send explicit images, all without realizing she was an undercover officer. The police's meticulous tracking led them to his residence, where they discovered images on his computer of a previous victim, further implicating him in grooming and exploitation activities.

Robinson's criminal record is extensive. He was previously convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl in 2006, an incident that took place while he was working as a fitness trainer in Taunton. The young girl, a gymnast, was driven by Robinson to a secluded area near Watchet, his former hometown, where he committed the assault. For this heinous crime, he received a six-year prison sentence at Taunton Crown Court. His past conviction was a stark reminder of his dangerous tendencies and the serious threat he posed to minors.

Following his latest arrest, Robinson admitted to multiple charges, including attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage a child in sexual communication, and making indecent images of children. At Exeter Crown Court, Recorder Jonathan Barnes sentenced him to two years in prison. Additionally, Robinson was placed under a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his future contact with minors and limits his internet usage, aiming to prevent further offenses.

During the sentencing, the judge emphasized the gravity of Robinson's actions, especially considering his previous conviction for rape. He stated, “These offences are aggravated very seriously by your previous conviction for rape. After anxious consideration, I am persuaded, just, that you should not be classified as a dangerous offender.”

Prosecutor Mr. Robert Yates detailed how Robinson contacted what he believed was a 13-year-old girl named Libby on the kids’ channel of the Chat Avenue website in June 2017. Robinson claimed to be a 17-year-old boy and engaged in a conversation of a sexual nature, even suggesting a video call where he proposed to masturbate. He urged 'Libby' to show her breasts and vaginal areas on Skype and to touch herself sexually. The police, alerted to his activities, coordinated with colleagues in Barnstaple, leading to a search of his home. An analysis of his computer revealed four images of young girls exposing themselves, which he admitted had been sent after contact in chat rooms.

Robinson is currently living with his family and working as a head chef. The probation service has recommended that he undergo a sex offender treatment program, which is not available in prison, to address his behavioral issues and reduce the risk of reoffending. His case continues to draw attention to the ongoing dangers posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially those who exploit the anonymity of the internet to prey on minors.