PAUL ROBERTSON AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN BRADNINCH AND HOLSWORTHY

A deeply disturbing case has emerged involving Paul Robertson, a 64-year-old man from Holsworthy, who has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against teenage girls. The crimes, which spanned several years, reveal a pattern of predatory behavior that exploited the vulnerability of young victims.

Robertson’s criminal activities came to light after police investigations uncovered a disturbing collection of evidence. In 2019, authorities executed a search warrant at his residence on Coles Mill Avenue, where they seized multiple electronic devices for forensic analysis. The investigation revealed that Robertson had installed miniature cameras hidden within jewelry boxes, which he used to secretly record children in compromising situations. Among the shocking discoveries were videos of him engaging in sexual acts with one girl, as well as footage of him groping and kissing another victim. Further evidence included images of extreme pornography, bestiality, and even footage of Robertson performing oral sex on his dog.

The case detailed that Robertson had repeatedly sexually abused one particular girl between the ages of 15 and 17. He not only assaulted her multiple times but also recorded these acts, further demonstrating the extent of his predatory conduct. The court heard that Robertson’s actions caused significant psychological harm to his victims, with one girl describing her distress, stating that she knew her experiences were wrong and that his behavior made her stomach turn.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Robertson pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges. These included sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust, voyeurism, taking indecent photographs of a child, making indecent images, possession of extreme pornographic material, and three counts of sexual assault. He also faced allegations related to kissing and groping another girl, for which he was found guilty by a jury in a trial held in December.

The court was informed that Robertson’s misconduct was not an isolated incident. Two victims had previously reported concerns about his behavior—one in 2012 and another in 2013. Unfortunately, these warnings were not acted upon effectively, and no further action was taken at the time. The failure to intervene earlier allowed Robertson’s abuse to continue unchecked for years.

Judge Anna Richardson sentenced Robertson to eight years and three months in prison. In her remarks, she condemned his actions, stating, “You abused them horrendously and treated them however you wished for your own sexual gratification.” The judge also highlighted the systemic failings in safeguarding that allowed Robertson’s behavior to go unnoticed for so long. She pointed out that the victims’ reports had been dismissed or ignored, which represented a significant missed opportunity to prevent further harm.

In addition to his prison sentence, Robertson will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and notification requirements upon his release. These measures are intended to monitor his conduct and reduce the risk of reoffending. The court acknowledged that Robertson’s health was now poor, and he no longer posed the same level of threat as he might have in the past.

A spokesperson for Devon County Council clarified that Robertson was never a foster carer directly employed by the council. Instead, he was registered as an independent foster carer through a private agency. The council had previously received a safeguarding referral regarding Robertson in 2013, but due to insufficient evidence at the time, no charges were brought. The agency responsible for his employment conducted its own investigation, which ultimately did not lead to his dismissal until the criminal case was pursued.

This case underscores the critical importance of effective safeguarding measures and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse. The tragic failures in earlier reporting and investigation serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in preventing such heinous acts.