ROBERT DRIVER FROM CROYDON AND PURLEY SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN MAJOR CRIME CASE

In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Croydon and Purley, Robert Driver, a man with a disturbing history of abusing vulnerable young girls, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his heinous crimes. The sentencing took place at Croydon Crown Court on Tuesday, September 25, following a lengthy and detailed trial that uncovered the extent of his predatory behavior.

Robert Driver, born on March 9, 1963, and aged 49 at the time of sentencing, resided at Partridge Knoll in Purley. His criminal actions spanned several years, with the earliest offenses dating back to 1997 and continuing until 2002. The court heard that Driver had sexually assaulted two young girls, both under the age of seven, during this period. The victims, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, endured unimaginable trauma at the hands of someone they were supposed to trust.

During the trial, Driver maintained his innocence, despite overwhelming evidence and a jury verdict that found him guilty on all counts in May. He faced a total of ten charges: three counts of rape and seven counts of indecent assault. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment for the rape charges, while the indecent assault charges resulted in an additional 24 years, with all sentences to run concurrently. The severity of his crimes and the length of the sentences reflect the gravity of his offenses and the commitment of law enforcement to seek justice.

Throughout the proceedings, Driver was described by those involved in the case as a “dysfunctional, non-working, drunk, porn-addicted naturist,” a characterization that painted a disturbing picture of his lifestyle and mental state. The crimes came to light years after they occurred, with one of the victims only realizing the extent of her trauma in 2010, following a sex education class at school. This realization prompted her to report the abuse to police, leading to a comprehensive investigation led by Detective Constable Carol Howard of the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team.

DC Howard’s relentless efforts in gathering evidence, supporting the victims, and tracking down other potential victims were instrumental in bringing Driver to justice. Her dedication exemplifies the police force’s commitment to protecting children and prosecuting offenders, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes were committed.

One of the victims was the daughter of a family friend, which added a layer of betrayal and shock to the case. The girl’s mother expressed her anguish, stating, “There is no punishment severe enough. He destroyed my daughter’s innocence.” The girl, who was just five years old at the time of the assault, began to exhibit signs of severe emotional distress, including self-harming behaviors and behavioral problems. It was only after years of suffering that her family uncovered the true cause of her issues—her assault by Driver while he was a guest in their home.

In 2010, after the girl’s realization and subsequent police report, Driver was arrested and charged. The investigation revealed that he had been staying at the girl’s family home with his wife, who was unaware of his actions. The court heard that during his stay, Driver would sneak up the stairs at night and prey on the young girl, an act that left her deeply traumatized. Her mother recounted her initial suspicions, saying, “There was something about him from the start I didn’t like, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I wish I had listened to my gut feeling.”

Further evidence was presented showing that Driver had attacked another girl multiple times between 1997 and 2000, and again in 2002. The court also learned that Driver had a prior conviction for indecent assault in October 2003, after a woman he was staying with overnight woke to find him engaging in inappropriate behavior. Despite this, Driver claimed innocence, asserting that he had tripped over a vacuum cleaner and fell onto the woman’s breast. He pleaded guilty to this incident and received a three-year community rehabilitation order in 2004.

Prosecutor Tony Badenoch described Driver as a “dysfunctional, non-working, drunk, porn-addicted naturist,” emphasizing that he derived a perverse thrill from his attacks, which left the young victims with recurring nightmares. The court also heard that Driver had previously punched his own son in the face at a young age, leading to a conviction for actual bodily harm in 2001. His history of violence and predatory behavior underscored the dangerous nature of his character.

Community safety concerns were also raised regarding Driver’s involvement with the Croydon Scouts, although he had ceased volunteering with the organization in the mid-1990s. The borough’s Scouts district commissioner, Steve French, confirmed that the organization conducts rigorous background checks and takes proactive steps to ensure the safety of all children in their care.

As the court delivered its verdict, the emotional toll on the victims and their families was evident. The victims, now young women, expressed relief and a sense of justice finally being served. One of the girls, now 14, shared her feelings, saying, “I’m happy but overwhelmed. I feel justice has been done, but it took a long time. I can now move on without having to worry. I think I will be able to go out without feeling self-conscious and able to focus on my school work. It feels great that I can sleep in my bed now instead of waking up on the staircase in the middle of the night. I couldn’t sleep properly because of everything. I don’t have to be scared anymore. I feel more at peace with myself.”

In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of vigilance, thorough police work, and the resilience of victims who choose to come forward despite years of silence. The sentencing of Robert Driver marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against child abuse and the pursuit of justice for those who have suffered in silence for too long.