LEAH ROBERTS GROOMS 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN POPLAR: SHOCKING CASE FROM EAST LONDON

In December 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Leah Roberts, a 21-year-old teaching assistant from Poplar, who was accused of grooming a vulnerable 13-year-old girl. The court heard that Roberts, who was employed by agencies such as World Class Teachers and Exciting Teaching Sports Coaching, had engaged in a series of inappropriate and sexualized communications with the young girl.

Roberts first met the victim at a youth club in Poplar, where they were introduced through a third party during the summer of 2013. Following this initial meeting, the two began exchanging messages via WhatsApp, which gradually took on a more sexual tone. The court was told that Roberts asked the girl if she was single, and when she responded that she was not, Roberts claimed she could change that and make her fall for her.

Prosecutor Martin Hooper detailed the disturbing nature of the exchanges, stating, "The messages became of a sexual nature." He explained that Roberts inquired about the girl’s age, and after the victim hesitated, she revealed her age. Roberts continued to pursue the relationship, and the messages included flirtatious and suggestive content. The court heard that the two had met in person at least five times, during which they shared kisses. On one occasion, Roberts attempted to touch the girl inappropriately, but she was stopped before any further contact could occur.

As the relationship progressed, the victim eventually broke off contact and reported the incident to her school. The school then contacted the police, leading to Roberts’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings. Roberts admitted to meeting a girl under 16 for the purpose of sexual grooming but denied engaging in any non-penetrative sexual activity with the teenager. The court noted that the charge of sexual activity was left on file following her guilty plea to the grooming charge.

Judge Oscar Del-Fabbro sentenced Roberts to nine months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Roberts was issued a restraining order that prohibits her from contacting the victim directly or indirectly. The judge emphasized the sexual intent behind Roberts’s actions, stating, "There was clearly a sexual purpose to your intentions."

Furthermore, Roberts was ordered to complete a 60-day rehabilitation activity requirement and undergo two years of mental health treatment. She resides on Oban Street in Poplar, and the court’s ruling aims to prevent any further contact or harm to the victim in this serious case of grooming and exploitation.