PETER ROBERTSON FROM CLEVEDON AND WIRRAL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Clevedon and Wirral, Peter Robertson, aged 57, has been sentenced to two years in prison following his conviction for serious sexual offenses involving a teenage girl. The conviction was handed down at Liverpool Crown Court after a nine-day trial that revealed disturbing details about Robertson's actions during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

According to court proceedings, Robertson was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault against a girl who was only 14 and 15 years old at the time. The jury was informed that the assaults took place in 1979 and 1980, during which Robertson engaged in sexual activity with the girl. While the court acknowledged that Robertson may have believed the girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, consented to the acts, he was acquitted of the more serious charge of rape. Instead, he was convicted of indecent assault, with the verdict reflecting a pattern of conduct over a period of time.

It was also revealed that when the girl reached the age of 16, she became pregnant with Robertson’s child. This revelation added a further layer of gravity to the case, highlighting the long-term consequences of Robertson’s actions. The court heard that Robertson’s behavior was part of a disturbing course of conduct, which had lasting impacts on the victim’s life.

During the trial, Robertson’s defense was represented by barrister Richard Vardon. Vardon stated that Robertson had previously lived in Wirral but had since moved to North Somerset, where he had attempted to 'reinvent himself.' He described Robertson as a man who portrayed himself as an ordinary, hard-working individual, but who harbored a darker side. Vardon emphasized that Robertson was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions but had failed to restrain his impulses, describing his behavior as animalistic.

Vardon also revealed that Robertson’s family was now fully aware of his past misconduct. Notably, Robertson’s eldest son, who is 18 years old, aspires to become a police officer, adding a tragic irony to the case. The court was told that Robertson’s actions had caused profound damage, and his family’s knowledge of his deeds underscored the severity of the situation.

Judge Sean Duncan, presiding over the case, sentenced Robertson to two years in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Duncan condemned Robertson’s exploitation of the girl’s vulnerability, stating, “You took advantage of the vulnerabilities that girl had at a time she should have expected help and guidance. This was a massive breach of trust. It was wicked to take advantage of that young person’s weakness.” The judge’s words underscored the gravity of Robertson’s misconduct and the societal need to protect vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior.