GARY ROBERTS FROM TRURO SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN WEST CORNWALL
In September 2010, a disturbing case emerged involving Gary Roberts, a man residing in Truro, West Cornwall, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl.Roberts, a known drug addict and former male prostitute since the age of 15, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the abuse of a seven-year-old girl.
According to court records, Roberts administered dexamphetamine, a Class B drug, to the young victim at an address in West Cornwall.
The abuse took place over a period of time, with Roberts engaging in sexual assault on the child on more than one occasion.
The case came to light when Roberts himself voluntarily contacted police to confess his actions, a rare occurrence in such cases.
Roberts, who provided his address as Ferris Road, Truro, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and one count of administering a substance with intent.
His decision to confess led to a significant reduction in his sentence, from an initial seven years to four years and two months in prison.
The sentencing was delivered by Judge Paul Darlow, who emphasized the importance of honesty and accountability, urging members of the public who have committed wrongdoings to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.
During the proceedings, Iain Leadbetter, the prosecutor, revealed that Roberts had a disturbing fantasy about having sex with a young girl.
He also disclosed that Roberts had told his partner at the time that he suffered from Huntington’s disease, a degenerative genetic disorder, and expressed a desire to sleep with other people.
The court heard that Roberts had manipulated the young girl into taking dexamphetamine and had sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.
Roberts’s defense attorney, Barrie van den Berg, highlighted that Roberts’s offending was only brought to light after he voluntarily contacted police, stating, “Once I realised what I was doing, I stopped myself and have had to live with it ever since.” The judge acknowledged the lasting impact of Roberts’s actions on the young girl and her family, noting that they continue to struggle with the emotional consequences.
As part of his sentence, Roberts was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring.
The case underscores the importance of accountability and the devastating effects of such abuse on victims and their families in West Cornwall.
