ROBERT COKER SENTENCED FOR HORRIBLE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN HORNEDEAN AND PORTSMOUTH

In August 2017, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse emerged from the quiet community of Horndean, where Robert Coker was convicted of heinous crimes involving young children. Over a period of five months, Coker, aged 52 at the time, engaged in the sexual exploitation of three innocent children aged five, six, and nine. The abuse took place both at his residence on Merchistoun Road in Horndean and across various locations within the Portsmouth area.

According to court records, Coker systematically lured these vulnerable children away from the safety and security of their families by exploiting their trust and innocence. He employed manipulative tactics, promising support and comfort to gain their confidence. One of the children was even tempted with sweets, a tactic often used by predators to entice young victims. The children, feeling they could trust Coker, confided in him, which unfortunately led to the abuse being uncovered.

The criminal acts occurred between September 1, 2015, and February 18, 2016. The police were alerted only after the children disclosed the abuse to their parents, breaking the silence that Coker had tried to impose through false promises of secrecy. The investigation revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that shocked the local community and prompted a thorough legal process.

At Portsmouth Crown Court, Coker faced a jury that found him guilty of multiple charges. He was convicted of four counts of sexual assault against a female child under the age of 13 and one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Despite the guilty verdicts, the jury acquitted him on three counts of exposure and one additional charge related to sexual activity involving a child under 13.

The sentencing was delivered by Recorder Michael Vere-Hodge QC, who expressed profound disappointment and condemnation of Coker’s actions. He emphasized the betrayal of trust involved in the case, noting that Coker was supposed to care for the children as if they were family members. The judge described Coker’s conduct as a gross violation of that trust, highlighting the vulnerability and innocence of the young victims.

In his remarks, Recorder Vere-Hodge stated, “You were trusted to care for them as if you were a relative. They were vulnerable, innocent, and they did not know what was in your mind. You relied on the children not talking about you and what you were doing. If they did, you relied on the defence that they would never be believed. Once their accounts were examined, it was perfectly clear that it was the best you could come up with as a defence.”

The judge also reflected on the long-term impact of such abuse, suggesting that the trauma inflicted on these children could have repercussions that last a lifetime. He expressed hope that the victims might eventually find a way to move past their painful memories, but acknowledged that the scars of such experiences often linger.

Ultimately, Coker was sentenced to ten years in prison, a punishment deemed appropriate given the severity of his crimes. The court’s decision underscores the importance of protecting children from predators and holding offenders accountable for their actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking even in seemingly safe communities like Horndean and Portsmouth, and the ongoing need for vigilance and justice in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.