MICHAEL ROBINSON ARDLEIGH SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR ATTACKS AT COLCHESTER SHOP

In a significant legal development, Michael Robinson, a former Conservative councillor from Ardleigh, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison following a series of disturbing sexual assault allegations. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of predatory behavior directed at women working at his newly established age and body piercing business located in Eld Lane, Colchester.

Robinson, aged 59, pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault and four counts of sexual assault involving four women employed at his shop, known as Igigi. Among his victims was a teenage girl aged just 15 years old. The incidents, which occurred between February and August of the previous year, included inappropriate physical contact and lewd comments, causing significant distress to those involved.

Details presented during the trial painted a troubling picture of Robinson’s misconduct. Court records indicated that he had grabbed the buttocks of his assistants, stroked one woman’s breast during an emotional hug, and inappropriately touched two women’s legs above the knees, massaging their thighs without consent. Additionally, he made sexually explicit remarks about their bodies, further violating their personal boundaries.

The court also heard about prior offenses committed by Robinson at his shop, which had previously resulted in a four-year prison sentence in 1999. These earlier crimes included encouraging clients to pull down their trousers and knickers during belly button piercing procedures and groping a staff member. Such behavior underscored a pattern of sexual misconduct linked to his business activities.

Robinson’s defense attorney, Sarah Vine, argued that the recent offenses were less severe than his past actions, emphasizing that there was no skin-to-skin contact in the latest incidents. During the sentencing, Robinson was visibly emotional, tears welling up as Ms. Vine acknowledged that he had suffered significant personal losses, including the closure of one of his shops and the winding up of the other. His ex-wife, with whom he co-managed the businesses, is currently in poor health, battling a heart condition and having undergone surgery.

Judge Charles Gratwicke, presiding over the case, condemned Robinson’s actions sharply. He stated, “You are a menace to young women. Any young woman who you come in contact with is at risk of being sexually assaulted by you in the manner this court has heard about.” The judge emphasized the importance of safety and respect in the workplace, asserting that women, especially young women, should be able to work without fear of sexual harassment or assault.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Mark Merry of Colchester CID expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We are pleased that this man who we consider to be a danger to women has been sent to prison.” The case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual misconduct in small businesses and the importance of accountability for offenders.