RIKKI ROUND FROM CRADLEY HEATH CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN WOLVERHAMPTON

Rikki Round, a 30-year-old man residing on Victoria Road in Cradley Heath, has been found guilty of serious criminal offenses related to the grooming and sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place in June 2019 within a woodland area, where Round engaged in inappropriate and illegal sexual activities with the young girl. Despite being under active police investigation at the time, Round continued to contact the victim through social media platforms, causing her considerable emotional distress and fear.

Following an extensive eight-day trial held at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the jury convicted Round on three counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as a charge of sexual communication with a child. The court sentenced him to five years in prison for each of the sexual activity counts, with all sentences to run concurrently, meaning he will serve the maximum of five years overall. Additionally, he received a two-month sentence for the charge of sexual communication with a minor.

Beyond his prison sentence, Rikki Round will be subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which aims to restrict his behavior and protect the community from potential future offenses. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety.

Detective Constable Thomas Cunningham-Smith highlighted the courage of the young victim and emphasized the importance of reporting such crimes. He urged other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and seek help, providing a link to police resources designed to support and assist those affected by similar crimes. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals in communities like Cradley Heath and Wolverhampton.