ROBERT DEANE FROM HONICKNOWLE SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES IN PLYMOUTH
| Red Rose Database
Honicknowle Rapist
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Honicknowle and the wider Plymouth area, Robert Deane, a 48-year-old man, was handed a severe prison sentence of 20 years at Plymouth Crown Court for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against teenage boys during the early 1990s.
Judge Francis Gilbert, presiding over the case, made it clear that Deane would be required to serve a minimum of 10 years before he could even be considered for parole. The judge’s stern remarks underscored the gravity of the crimes, stating, "You have a long history of serious sexual abuse of young males."
Deane, who resides in Honicknowle, pleaded guilty to seven separate charges involving boys under the age of 16. These charges included rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency. The court heard disturbing details of how Deane had lured his victims to his home in Honicknowle, often under the pretense of showing them his computer, which he used as a means to gain their trust.
One of the most disturbing allegations involved Deane tying a young boy to a bed and raping him. Another victim, who was interested in computers and computer games, claimed he was sexually abused after showing an interest in these hobbies. Among the victims was a boy with learning difficulties, whom Deane subjected to a particularly horrific indecent assault. Judge Gilbert described this incident as Deane’s "most grave offence," highlighting an alarming escalation in his pattern of depravity.
In his remarks, the judge expressed skepticism about Deane’s claim that the victim submitted willingly, emphasizing the vulnerability of the boy with learning difficulties and the fact that Deane was a grown man. The court also heard that Deane had groomed another young boy and had filmed the sexual abuse, further illustrating the calculated nature of his actions.
Reading from a psychiatric report, Judge Gilbert noted that Deane viewed the boys as objects for his sexual gratification and described his acts as an addiction. The report indicated that Deane deliberately targeted vulnerable boys, befriending them and even their families to facilitate his abuse.
Deane’s criminal record included a previous conviction for indecent assault on boys dating back to 1990, for which he had received a two-year probation order. This history underscored the pattern of offending that persisted over the years.
During sentencing, Judge Gilbert emphasized the risk of reoffending, citing psychiatric assessments that suggested Deane posed a "strong risk" if not provided with proper treatment. The lengthy sentence was deemed necessary to protect the public, and the judge warned that his prison term could be extended by up to ten years if probation officers were not satisfied with his rehabilitation upon release.
Deane will also remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life, a measure aimed at monitoring and preventing further offenses.
In his defense, lawyer Ali Rafati stated that Deane was now committed to undergoing treatment to address his issues. The arrest of Deane occurred in April of this year, following police interviews with one of his victims in March. As the investigation progressed, additional victims came forward, revealing the extent of Deane’s crimes.
Detective Sarah Thorn of Plymouth’s Child Protection Team expressed her relief at the sentence, acknowledging the emotional toll on the victims, some of whom are now adults who had repressed their memories for years. She described their testimonies as "extremely upsetting" and "very graphic."
Detective Paul Dobinson from Charles Cross CID added that authorities believe there are likely more victims out there, suggesting that Deane’s offending may not be fully uncovered yet. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for victims of sexual abuse.
Judge Francis Gilbert, presiding over the case, made it clear that Deane would be required to serve a minimum of 10 years before he could even be considered for parole. The judge’s stern remarks underscored the gravity of the crimes, stating, "You have a long history of serious sexual abuse of young males."
Deane, who resides in Honicknowle, pleaded guilty to seven separate charges involving boys under the age of 16. These charges included rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency. The court heard disturbing details of how Deane had lured his victims to his home in Honicknowle, often under the pretense of showing them his computer, which he used as a means to gain their trust.
One of the most disturbing allegations involved Deane tying a young boy to a bed and raping him. Another victim, who was interested in computers and computer games, claimed he was sexually abused after showing an interest in these hobbies. Among the victims was a boy with learning difficulties, whom Deane subjected to a particularly horrific indecent assault. Judge Gilbert described this incident as Deane’s "most grave offence," highlighting an alarming escalation in his pattern of depravity.
In his remarks, the judge expressed skepticism about Deane’s claim that the victim submitted willingly, emphasizing the vulnerability of the boy with learning difficulties and the fact that Deane was a grown man. The court also heard that Deane had groomed another young boy and had filmed the sexual abuse, further illustrating the calculated nature of his actions.
Reading from a psychiatric report, Judge Gilbert noted that Deane viewed the boys as objects for his sexual gratification and described his acts as an addiction. The report indicated that Deane deliberately targeted vulnerable boys, befriending them and even their families to facilitate his abuse.
Deane’s criminal record included a previous conviction for indecent assault on boys dating back to 1990, for which he had received a two-year probation order. This history underscored the pattern of offending that persisted over the years.
During sentencing, Judge Gilbert emphasized the risk of reoffending, citing psychiatric assessments that suggested Deane posed a "strong risk" if not provided with proper treatment. The lengthy sentence was deemed necessary to protect the public, and the judge warned that his prison term could be extended by up to ten years if probation officers were not satisfied with his rehabilitation upon release.
Deane will also remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life, a measure aimed at monitoring and preventing further offenses.
In his defense, lawyer Ali Rafati stated that Deane was now committed to undergoing treatment to address his issues. The arrest of Deane occurred in April of this year, following police interviews with one of his victims in March. As the investigation progressed, additional victims came forward, revealing the extent of Deane’s crimes.
Detective Sarah Thorn of Plymouth’s Child Protection Team expressed her relief at the sentence, acknowledging the emotional toll on the victims, some of whom are now adults who had repressed their memories for years. She described their testimonies as "extremely upsetting" and "very graphic."
Detective Paul Dobinson from Charles Cross CID added that authorities believe there are likely more victims out there, suggesting that Deane’s offending may not be fully uncovered yet. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for victims of sexual abuse.