ROBERT BUCHANAN SENTENCED IN BARROW FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE
| Red Rose Database
Barrow Child Sexual Abuser
In December 2011, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse emerged from the town of Barrow, leading to the conviction and sentencing of Robert Buchanan, a 74-year-old pensioner. The court heard harrowing details of Buchanan’s heinous acts against two young children, acts that have left deep scars on their lives.
Judge Christopher Cornwall presided over the case at Preston Crown Court, where he sentenced Buchanan to six years in prison. The judge expressed his profound belief that the damage inflicted upon the victims was “beyond calculation,” emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed. Addressing Buchanan directly, Judge Cornwall stated, “You have cast a very dark shadow over their childhoods,” highlighting the profound impact of his actions.
The court was informed that Buchanan’s abuse was particularly egregious, involving a series of disturbing behaviors. These included forcing the children to participate in “naked wrestling,” a grotesque activity where Buchanan would organize bouts and award points, further humiliating and exploiting the victims. Additionally, Buchanan had taken indecent photographs of the children without their clothes and had subjected the girl to watching an inappropriate video, actions that the judge described as “the most grotesque form of behaviour.”
It was revealed that Buchanan’s crimes came to light after the girl experienced a breakdown during a sex education class at school, which triggered flashbacks of the abuse. This emotional incident prompted further investigation, leading to Buchanan’s arrest and subsequent guilty plea to multiple charges. These included one count of sexual activity with a child, one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, five counts of making indecent images of children, and one count of taking such images.
During the sentencing, Buchanan’s legal representative, Mr. Frank Nance, acknowledged his client’s remorse, stating that Buchanan had faced up to his wrongdoing and was tearful about his actions. However, the court was clear that Buchanan’s lack of insight into the gravity of his crimes was deeply troubling. The judge emphasized that Buchanan’s sexual interest in children appeared to be a persistent and unacknowledged issue, which continued to pose a risk to others.
Judge Cornwall also underscored the long-lasting impact of such abuse, explaining that when an adult sexually assaults a child, it can dominate and jeopardize the child's entire life. The court’s sentence reflected the community’s strong condemnation of such acts, with Buchanan being ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Furthermore, he will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which includes a strict condition prohibiting any unsupervised contact with individuals under the age of 16. Buchanan’s crimes, committed in Barrow, have left a lasting stain on the community, and the court’s decision aims to serve justice and protect potential future victims.
Judge Christopher Cornwall presided over the case at Preston Crown Court, where he sentenced Buchanan to six years in prison. The judge expressed his profound belief that the damage inflicted upon the victims was “beyond calculation,” emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed. Addressing Buchanan directly, Judge Cornwall stated, “You have cast a very dark shadow over their childhoods,” highlighting the profound impact of his actions.
The court was informed that Buchanan’s abuse was particularly egregious, involving a series of disturbing behaviors. These included forcing the children to participate in “naked wrestling,” a grotesque activity where Buchanan would organize bouts and award points, further humiliating and exploiting the victims. Additionally, Buchanan had taken indecent photographs of the children without their clothes and had subjected the girl to watching an inappropriate video, actions that the judge described as “the most grotesque form of behaviour.”
It was revealed that Buchanan’s crimes came to light after the girl experienced a breakdown during a sex education class at school, which triggered flashbacks of the abuse. This emotional incident prompted further investigation, leading to Buchanan’s arrest and subsequent guilty plea to multiple charges. These included one count of sexual activity with a child, one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, five counts of making indecent images of children, and one count of taking such images.
During the sentencing, Buchanan’s legal representative, Mr. Frank Nance, acknowledged his client’s remorse, stating that Buchanan had faced up to his wrongdoing and was tearful about his actions. However, the court was clear that Buchanan’s lack of insight into the gravity of his crimes was deeply troubling. The judge emphasized that Buchanan’s sexual interest in children appeared to be a persistent and unacknowledged issue, which continued to pose a risk to others.
Judge Cornwall also underscored the long-lasting impact of such abuse, explaining that when an adult sexually assaults a child, it can dominate and jeopardize the child's entire life. The court’s sentence reflected the community’s strong condemnation of such acts, with Buchanan being ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Furthermore, he will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which includes a strict condition prohibiting any unsupervised contact with individuals under the age of 16. Buchanan’s crimes, committed in Barrow, have left a lasting stain on the community, and the court’s decision aims to serve justice and protect potential future victims.