PHILIP ROOTHAM FROM KENTON WARD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE THAT SHATTERED A YOUNG GIRL'S LIFE
| Red Rose Database
Kenton Ward Sexual Abuser
In a case that has spanned over five decades, Philip Rootham, a man from Kenton Ward, has finally been brought to justice for heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl during the 1960s. The lengthy delay in prosecution underscores the challenges faced in addressing historical abuse cases, but justice has now been served.
Rootham, who was only 17 years old at the time of the assaults, carried out a series of disturbing acts against his young victim, who was still in primary school. The assaults took place in the vicinity of Kenton Ward, a community that has since been shaken by the revelations. During the attacks, Rootham subjected the girl to inappropriate touching and sexual contact, actions that left deep scars on her psyche.
According to court records, Rootham also threatened the girl with the phrase “little girl’s home” if she dared to disclose what had happened. This intimidation was part of his effort to silence her and maintain control over the situation. The victim, who has since struggled with the emotional aftermath of the abuse, described feeling “terrified” during the incidents. Her trauma was compounded by the fact that she was still a child, unable to fully comprehend or escape the abuse.
When Rootham was finally confronted by authorities, he did not deny his actions. Instead, he acknowledged the events, stating to police, “It was a long time ago – but I’m not denying it.” His admission came after years of silence and avoidance, finally bringing closure to the long-standing case.
In a recent hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Rootham, now aged 67, pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault. The court was informed that he had touched the girl’s genitals and made her touch his in return. The victim recounted her experience, saying, “He would fondle us between the legs. I was terrified.” Her testimony highlighted the profound and lasting impact of the abuse, which has affected her mental health over the years. She revealed that in her youth, she struggled with issues such as wetting herself, a symptom often associated with trauma.
Judge Robert Earl addressed the court, emphasizing the severe consequences of Rootham’s actions. He stated, “She does not value herself. She has a low self-worth. She tortures herself over what she could have done differently.” The judge acknowledged that the abuse had a “dramatic and awful” effect on the victim’s life, describing it as a “significant” trauma that has persisted for more than fifty years.
In mitigation, it was noted that Rootham had cooperated fully with police after his arrest in January 2017. He demonstrated remorse and had not re-offended in the same manner since. Despite these factors, Judge Earl considered the law at the time of the offenses and Rootham’s age, ultimately deciding against suspending the sentence. The court recognized the “devastating impact” the abuse had on the victim and the importance of holding offenders accountable.
Rootham was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years. The judge’s comments reflected the complex balance between justice, remorse, and the need to protect the community from potential future harm. As Rootham begins his sentence, the victim’s courage in coming forward is acknowledged as a vital step toward justice and healing.
Rootham, who was only 17 years old at the time of the assaults, carried out a series of disturbing acts against his young victim, who was still in primary school. The assaults took place in the vicinity of Kenton Ward, a community that has since been shaken by the revelations. During the attacks, Rootham subjected the girl to inappropriate touching and sexual contact, actions that left deep scars on her psyche.
According to court records, Rootham also threatened the girl with the phrase “little girl’s home” if she dared to disclose what had happened. This intimidation was part of his effort to silence her and maintain control over the situation. The victim, who has since struggled with the emotional aftermath of the abuse, described feeling “terrified” during the incidents. Her trauma was compounded by the fact that she was still a child, unable to fully comprehend or escape the abuse.
When Rootham was finally confronted by authorities, he did not deny his actions. Instead, he acknowledged the events, stating to police, “It was a long time ago – but I’m not denying it.” His admission came after years of silence and avoidance, finally bringing closure to the long-standing case.
In a recent hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Rootham, now aged 67, pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault. The court was informed that he had touched the girl’s genitals and made her touch his in return. The victim recounted her experience, saying, “He would fondle us between the legs. I was terrified.” Her testimony highlighted the profound and lasting impact of the abuse, which has affected her mental health over the years. She revealed that in her youth, she struggled with issues such as wetting herself, a symptom often associated with trauma.
Judge Robert Earl addressed the court, emphasizing the severe consequences of Rootham’s actions. He stated, “She does not value herself. She has a low self-worth. She tortures herself over what she could have done differently.” The judge acknowledged that the abuse had a “dramatic and awful” effect on the victim’s life, describing it as a “significant” trauma that has persisted for more than fifty years.
In mitigation, it was noted that Rootham had cooperated fully with police after his arrest in January 2017. He demonstrated remorse and had not re-offended in the same manner since. Despite these factors, Judge Earl considered the law at the time of the offenses and Rootham’s age, ultimately deciding against suspending the sentence. The court recognized the “devastating impact” the abuse had on the victim and the importance of holding offenders accountable.
Rootham was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years. The judge’s comments reflected the complex balance between justice, remorse, and the need to protect the community from potential future harm. As Rootham begins his sentence, the victim’s courage in coming forward is acknowledged as a vital step toward justice and healing.