ROBERT CURTIS AND SHOCKING SEX OFFENCES IN ROMSEY AND DERBYSHIRE

A man identified as Robert Curtis has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of engaging in unlawful sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl. The court proceedings revealed distressing details about his behaviour, which included the use of a video camera to record the acts, an act that further compounded the seriousness of his offences.

The incident involving the 15-year-old girl occurred between October 2007 and January 31, 2008. During this period, Curtis, who was 48 at the time and residing in Duffield, carefully orchestrated an environment of manipulation and inappropriate conduct. According to the prosecutor, Siward James-Moore, Curtis once shared alcohol and cannabis with a teenage couple in a seemingly casual manner, which included sexual activity in the same room as the young individuals. During one encounter, Curtis told the girl she looked good and inappropriately squeezed her bottom, actions that the girl responded to by physically striking him and telling him to leave.

In addition to these incidents, Curtis admitted to having engaged in sexual activity with the 15-year-old girl, which took place before she had reached the age of 16, and he did not make any effort to stop or discourage this behaviour. The court heard that the girl believed she was in love with him, and their relationship was initiated after she sent him a text message. Discussions between Curtis and the girl reportedly included the recognition of the age difference and the understanding that their sexual activities could be considered an offence. Despite this awareness, they continued to have sex, with the girl asserting that it was her idea to proceed.

Law enforcement authorities arrested Curtis on New Year's Eve, a timing that underscores the gravity of the case. It was emphasized that Curtis had no previous criminal convictions prior to this incident.

Further troubling was the revelation that Curtis had also committed indecent assault on another girl approximately four years earlier, highlighting a pattern of concerning behaviour. The offences were committed while Curtis was living in Duffield, although his current residence is listed as Romsey in Hampshire.

Judge John Wait, presiding over the case, described Curtis as an articulate and intelligent man whose actions were nonetheless morally corrupt and dangerous. The judge remarked that by encouraging alcohol and cannabis consumption and facilitating inappropriate behaviour among young people, Curtis acted irresponsibly and posed a significant risk of reoffending. He commented that such conduct, especially from someone with Curtis's capabilities, represented a serious breach of trust and societal standards.

The defence, represented by Laura Dawes, argued that Curtis's behaviour was akin to that of a teenager, possibly due to a personal crisis in his life. She acknowledged his guilty plea, which she stated spared the victims from the ordeal of giving evidence and undergoing cross-examination in court. Ms. Dawes highlighted Curtis’s genuine remorse, stating that his regret was not solely self-focused but also reflective of his acknowledgment of the harm caused.

She further explained that Curtis was suffering from depression at the time of the offences, which may have contributed to his actions. Her mitigation concluded with the assertion that there is now a low risk of Curtis reoffending, emphasizing his current state of mind and character.

In sentencing, the court recognized the serious nature of Curtis’s offences and his inappropriate conduct involving young girls. As part of his punishment, Curtis has been placed on the sex offenders register for life, reflecting the enduring importance of public safety. His case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who abuse positions of trust and exploit minors, with the court condemning his actions and emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and protection in the community of Romsey and beyond.