ROBBIE MARTIN FROM BURGHFIELD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN READING

In a case that has shocked the local community, Robbie Martin, a 19-year-old resident of Burghfield, was sentenced to three years in a young offenders' institution after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a 12-year-old girl. The incident took place in Reading, specifically at the girl’s mother’s residence, during a period from August 24 to August 27 of the previous year.

According to court proceedings, the young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, had initially planned to stay with her father while her mother was away on holiday. However, she left her father’s house and returned to Reading, where she met up with Robbie Martin and his friends. The group stayed at her mother’s house for several days, during which the alleged misconduct occurred.

During the sentencing hearing held on March 26, Prosecutor Jane Davies detailed the events, stating: “It was during that time the victim says she told the defendant she was 14, and on the last night the group were in the house, the defendant asked her to have sex with him, and she agreed.”

The court also heard that when the girl’s mother returned home, she initially believed that someone had broken into the house. It was during this conversation that the girl disclosed that boys had been around and that she had engaged in sexual intercourse. She also described Robbie Martin to her mother, claiming he was her boyfriend and that he was 18 years old, which was false.

In a police interview, the victim provided a statement in which she recounted her grandmother’s words: “My nan said, ‘Everyone does it at your age, try it out’.” This statement was part of the evidence presented during the trial.

Robbie Martin, who was charged with one count of rape, admitted to the offence during a hearing on March 4. The court subsequently sentenced him to three years in a young offenders’ institution. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, reflecting the severity of his crime and the impact on the victim.