ROBERT GRIMSHAW OF AXMINSTER FOUND GUILTY OF ABUSE IN DEVON

An Axminster man, Robert Grimshaw, has been convicted of abusing a three-year-old girl, who became among the youngest witnesses to give evidence at a criminal trial. The young girl was recorded via video as she described how Grimshaw entered her room in the middle of the night and touched her private parts. Grimshaw had arrived at her parents' home in Devon following an argument with his girlfriend and was supposed to sleep in another room that night. Using body maps, the girl showed specially trained police officers what Grimshaw had done to her. Her in-person testimony was not required in court because her cross-examination was recorded beforehand and played to the jury. Grimshaw, aged 29 and residing in Foxhills, Axminster, denied two counts of sexual assault but was found guilty. He is due to be sentenced after probation reports are completed. Prosecutor Mr. Peter Coombe explained that the assaults took place on January 9, 2020, when Grimshaw uninvitedly appeared at the girl's parents' home in East Devon and was permitted to stay overnight. The girl woke her mother during the night, asking her to remove a Toy Story video that Grimshaw had played as he touched her. She did not initially disclose the abuse. The following day, she confided in her mother and subsequently recorded a police interview, in which she stated she no longer watches Toy Story because it reminds her of that night. Her parents testified that she was so distressed by the incident that they had to reorganize her room and even set up trip wires to prevent intruders from reaching her bed. The girl's pajamas were sent for forensic testing, which revealed Grimshaw's DNA on the inside. Grimshaw claimed he had only touched her pajamas after they were left outside her room and denied any assaults. The jury reached a unanimous verdict of guilt. Judge David Evans noted that Grimshaw's conviction was based on overwhelming evidence and scheduled sentencing for March. An updated report on how the girl continues to be affected by the abuse will be prepared for that hearing. She has been unable to receive counseling during the court proceedings but will begin immediately afterward.