KEVIN ROE FROM BILTON WILTON SENTENCED TO 12.5 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE IN HULL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the local community, Kevin Roe, a 63-year-old man from Bilton Wilton near Pocklington, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The conviction followed a detailed trial at Hull Crown Court, where the jury unanimously found Roe guilty of all charges after just over three hours of deliberation.

Roe faced allegations of two counts of rape, two charges of serious sexual assault, and two additional sexual assaults, all involving a girl who was only 13 years old at the time of the offenses. The court heard that the assaults began when the girl was merely 11 years old, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over two years. During the trial, it was disclosed that Roe had engaged in unprotected sexual acts with the girl on at least four occasions when she was 13 and 14 years old, further emphasizing the severity of his crimes.

As the verdicts were announced, Roe, who had previously worked as a council highways technician for 23 years, was seen breathing deeply and closing his eyes, perhaps in reflection or distress. The judge, David Tremberg, sentenced him to 12 and a half years in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. In his remarks, Judge Tremberg stated, "You subjected the complainant to a series of humiliations and degradations. You knew what you were doing was seriously wrong but you were unable to stop yourself doing it over and over again. You are still in complete denial even in the face of compelling evidence against you."

The court also acknowledged the bravery of the young girl who gave evidence during the trial. The judge highlighted the lasting impact of the abuse, noting, "What is clear from the level of distress shown during her evidence is that the legacy of this abuse was and continues to be deep-seated and enduring. What you, Roe, have done to her has infected her life and it continues to cast a shadow over her." He expressed hope that the girl would be able to move forward, recognizing that some victims find it impossible to recover from such trauma.

In her victim impact statement, the girl described suffering from flashbacks, insomnia, and social withdrawal as a consequence of the abuse. The police investigation was initiated in 2017 after a relative of the girl observed Roe engaging in inappropriate behavior, including rubbing her legs, which raised suspicions and led to further inquiries.

During the trial, Roe attempted to defend himself by claiming he was impotent and unable to engage in sexual activity. He also argued that a series of sexual messages he sent to the girl via social media were innocent and that some of the sexual content was the result of predictive text errors. However, the jury dismissed these excuses, finding him guilty of all charges.

Roe's background includes service in the Prince of Wales Own Regiment for eight years before his employment with Humberside County Council. He has also worked as a steward at Beverley Rugby Club and for UK Mail in Pocklington.

Judge Tremberg concluded the sentencing by stating, "Clearly only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate in this case," underscoring the seriousness of Roe's crimes and the need for justice to be served.