PAUL ROBERTSON FROM BRADNINCH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN EXETER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Paul Robertson, a 64-year-old man from Bradninch, was sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against teenage girls. The crimes, which spanned several years, involved a pattern of exploitation and abuse that revealed significant failings in safeguarding measures at the time.

Robertson, who was also known to have resided in Holsworthy, was found guilty of a total of 17 criminal charges following a detailed investigation. The offences included sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust, voyeurism, possession of indecent images of children, creation of indecent photographs, and possession of extreme pornography. Additionally, he was convicted of three counts of sexual assault.

During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, the court heard that Robertson had used various covert devices to record his abuse. Police, upon executing a search warrant at his home in 2019, confiscated multiple electronic devices. Investigators uncovered evidence that Robertson had installed miniature cameras hidden within jewelry boxes to secretly film children. These recordings included footage of him sexually abusing one girl and engaging in inappropriate acts with others. Disturbingly, authorities also discovered images depicting extreme pornography, including bestiality and a photograph of Robertson performing oral sex on his dog.

The abuse was particularly egregious in the case of one girl, who was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Robertson between the ages of 15 and 17. He filmed himself engaging in sexual acts with her, further compounding the severity of his crimes. Despite two victims reporting concerns about Robertson’s behavior in 2012 and 2013, their warnings were not believed or acted upon, highlighting significant gaps in safeguarding procedures at the time. A subsequent council meeting in 2013 failed to result in any protective action being taken, allowing Robertson’s offending to continue unchecked.

Prosecutor Mr. Nigel Wraith detailed that Robertson and his wife became foster carers in 2009, a role that should have provided a protective environment for vulnerable children. Instead, Robertson exploited this position for his own sexual gratification. His wife was not implicated in the offences.

In court, Robertson initially denied three charges related to kissing and groping another victim. However, a jury found him guilty of these offences in a trial held in December. He pleaded guilty to the remaining charges, which included voyeurism, possession of indecent images, and sexual assault.

Judge Anna Richardson sentenced Robertson to eight years and three months in prison. She emphasized the gravity of his actions, stating, “You abused them horrendously and treated them however you wished for your own sexual gratification.” The judge also acknowledged the systemic failures that allowed Robertson’s abuse to go unnoticed for so long, citing missed opportunities to intervene earlier. She highlighted that Robertson had taken advantage of children who were particularly vulnerable and that the case revealed a lack of effective safeguarding measures in place at the time.

Furthermore, Robertson was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and notification requirements upon his release, aimed at monitoring his future conduct and reducing the risk he poses to the community. The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating consequences when protective systems fail to act promptly and effectively.