JOHN ROBINSON FROM HAXBY AND WIGGINTON YORK SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Haxby, Wigginton, and York, John Robinson, aged 52, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting to the sexual abuse of four young girls. The crimes, which spanned several years, began in November 1998 at Robinson's former residence in Haxby, a suburb of York, and involved multiple instances of assault on vulnerable children.

Robinson, who is currently residing in Walmer Carr, Wigginton, was brought before York Crown Court where Judge Michael Mettyear presided over the case. The court heard disturbing details of Robinson’s misconduct, including an incident during a family barbecue where he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl in a bedroom. During this assault, Robinson reportedly told the girl, “don’t say anything and spoil the party,” a comment that underscores the manipulative and coercive nature of his actions. The victim only disclosed the abuse to her mother years later, highlighting the long-lasting trauma inflicted.

Another distressing incident involved a six-year-old girl whose father witnessed Robinson sexually assault his daughter. This act of vigilantism brought the abuse to light and contributed to the subsequent investigation. Robinson’s criminal record also includes multiple assaults on two other young girls at his home, with these incidents occurring approximately ten times. These girls were as young as five and seven years old at the time of the abuse.

Further evidence presented in court revealed that one of the victims learned about Robinson’s alleged other charges of child abuse through Facebook, which prompted her to disclose her own abuse. This revelation played a significant role in the case’s progression. Robinson was arrested on March 19 of the same year and subsequently pleaded guilty to seven charges related to child abuse and indecent assault.

Prosecutor Alexander Menary read statements from some of the victims, one of whom expressed that Robinson had “taken away her innocence and childhood,” leaving her with a “warped perception of men.” She also shared that she thinks about him every day, indicating the deep psychological scars left by his actions. A parent of one of the victims described the emotional turmoil her daughter endured, stating she had been “scarred by what happened” and suffered “a lot of emotional upheaval.”

Throughout the court proceedings, Robinson appeared impassive, dressed in a blue and grey tracksuit top, but was visibly emotional when the judge announced his sentence. Judge Mettyear sentenced him to seven years in prison and ordered that he be placed on the Sexual Offenders’ Register for life. Addressing Robinson directly, the judge remarked, “These were very young girls and a number of them. There is very little that can be said on your behalf.”

Referring to the impact on the victims, Judge Mettyear highlighted a personal statement from one girl, emphasizing the enduring effects of the abuse. He expressed hope that the conclusion of the case might help bring some measure of closure and facilitate healing for the victims, acknowledging the profound and lasting damage caused by Robinson’s actions.