LEONARD ROBERTS FROM BRIDLINGTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX ABUSE IN EAST YORKSHIRE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bridlington, East Yorkshire, Leonard Roberts has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl over a period of two years.The court heard how Roberts, 41, engaged in a pattern of grotesque and manipulative behavior, which included multiple forms of sexual abuse, threats of violence, and disturbing comments that revealed his warped perception of the victim.
Roberts, who resided on Gypsey Road in Bridlington, was found guilty of 11 separate sexual offenses.
These included two counts of sexual assault, four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, as well as other charges related to penetrative sexual acts with a minor, inciting a child to participate in sexual activities, and exposing the girl to sexual acts in his presence.
The severity and variety of these crimes underscored the extent of his cruelty and the profound impact on the victim.
According to the prosecution, Charlotte Baines, the girl disclosed to her family on April 26 that she had endured ongoing abuse at Roberts’ hands for two years.
The court was told that Roberts had admitted to police that he had committed all the acts she described, repeatedly affirming, “Whatever she said, I have done it,” during police interviews.
His admission was a stark confirmation of the allegations.
The girl recounted how the abuse had escalated over time, with Roberts repeatedly touching her inappropriately and engaging in sexual acts in her presence.
She described feeling extremely uncomfortable and scared, especially when Roberts watched pornography with her or made threats of sexual violence, including a direct threat to rape her.
Roberts also told her that she was his “ideal woman,” a comment that added to her distress.
In a chilling statement, Roberts told the girl, “You deserve to be raped,” further illustrating his disturbing mindset.
When arrested, Roberts expressed remorse in a disturbing manner, telling police that “he was a piece of s*** and deserved to die,” and that he was in “desperate need of love, affection and stimulation.” The victim’s statement highlighted the lasting trauma inflicted by Roberts’ actions.
She explained how difficult it had been to cope with what had happened, revealing that she had tried to hide the abuse for a long time.
She expressed relief that the ordeal was over but also conveyed deep emotional scars, saying, “He told me that he was doing what he did to me because he fell in love with me.
It has affected my mood.
I have lost interest in all the things I liked doing.
I am depressed all the time.
I feel happy that it is over.
I wish this had never happened.” Prior to these crimes, Roberts had worked as a factory worker but later left that employment to become a full-time carer for his parents.
His actions, described by the judge as “grotesque,” prompted a severe legal response.
Judge Mark Bury condemned Roberts’ behavior, emphasizing the prolonged and systematic nature of the abuse.
He stated, “You grossly abused her over a two-year period.
You threatened to rape her.
On one occasion, you said she deserved to be raped.
Can you imagine how that would make a young girl feel?
It’s grossly inappropriate.” Roberts was sentenced to eight years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life, a measure that aims to protect the community from any future risk he might pose.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims who endure such horrific treatment.
