IAN ROBERTS FROM WEST BOWLING SENTENCED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS IN BRADFORD

In May 2019, Ian Roberts, a 67-year-old man from West Bowling, Bradford, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against three young girls. The court heard that Roberts had engaged in a pattern of routine and blatant sexual abuse over a span of several years, causing profound and lasting trauma to his victims.

Roberts, who resided on Bowling Old Lane in Bradford, had previously pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child during an earlier hearing. The offenses took place when Roberts was between the ages of 22 and 39, and the victims ranged in age from just five to 13 years old. Prosecutor Rebecca Young detailed the disturbing nature of the abuse, including grooming behaviors such as giving gifts like a watch and a camera to one of the children to gain her trust.

The court was informed that some of the charges involved multiple instances of sexual misconduct, including making the girls touch him indecently and forcibly spreading one girl’s legs so he could masturbate while looking at her underwear. One victim recounted her experience, saying, “She felt horrible, scared and used to cry but didn’t tell anybody,” highlighting the emotional toll inflicted by Roberts’ actions.

Roberts was arrested on January 12 of the previous year but chose not to comment during police questioning. However, he later admitted to all the allegations when he appeared before Bradford Crown Court. The victims’ personal statements revealed the long-term impact of the abuse, with one woman describing how Roberts had threatened her, saying she would be in trouble if anyone found out. She expressed feelings of dirtiness, confusion, and a lack of understanding about what was happening at the time. Another victim shared that she now fears being alone with men, and a third explained that she has carried the trauma throughout her entire life.

It was noted that Roberts ceased offending at the age of 39 and was described as a different person now. His solicitor advocate, Julian White, conveyed Roberts’ remorse, stating, “I did it, it was wrong, I upset the lives of three young women and I deserve what I get.” Roberts, who was battling prostate cancer and suffering from slipped discs, was supported by his wife during the court proceedings. Demonstrating his acceptance of responsibility, Roberts told the court, “I did it, it was wrong, I upset the lives of three young women and I deserve what I get.”

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, the Recorder of Bradford, condemned Roberts’ actions as “routine, repetitive, blatant sexual offending,” emphasizing the grooming aspect of the abuse. Despite his remorse, the judge highlighted the severity of the crimes, which involved systematic exploitation of vulnerable children. As part of his sentence, Roberts was ordered to sign the sex offender register for the remainder of his life.

Earlier in March 2019, Roberts had admitted to ten historic sexual offenses against children dating back to the 1970s. During that hearing, he appeared in court needing a walking stick and wearing a dark coat, due to his ongoing health issues, including recent major surgery, cancer, and other illnesses. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault against a girl under 14, one count of indecent assault against a girl under 16, and one count of gross indecency towards a girl under 14. His case was adjourned for sentencing scheduled for May 7 in Bradford, and he was ordered to continue signing the Sex Offenders’ Register in the meantime.