ROBERT GRIMSHAW FROM AXMINSTER SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES IN DEVON

In a case that has shocked the community of Axminster and the wider Devon area, Robert Grimshaw, a 29-year-old resident of Foxhill, was sentenced to prison for serious sexual offenses involving a young child. The incident came to light when the three-year-old victim confided in her parents about the inappropriate contact, leading to an investigation that uncovered disturbing details of the assault.

Grimshaw was convicted after a trial held at Exeter Crown Court in February. The court heard that he had sexually assaulted the young girl by touching her beneath her clothing. The evidence presented was compelling, and Grimshaw’s attempt to deny the allegations was described by the judge as having a 'paper thin' explanation, which failed to stand up against the overwhelming evidence against him.

During the sentencing on Friday, March 18, the court was told that Grimshaw’s actions had left a lasting impact on the victim. Her mother delivered an emotional statement, describing how her daughter continues to suffer nightmares and fears that the abuse might happen again. The trauma inflicted on the child was evident, and her mother’s words underscored the severity of the crime.

Judge David Evans addressed Grimshaw directly, emphasizing that the conviction was supported by both the victim’s testimony and scientific evidence. The court was informed that DNA evidence linked Grimshaw to the crime scene, providing irrefutable proof of his guilt. The judge criticized Grimshaw for his lack of remorse and his failure to admit guilt, noting that there was little evidence to suggest he was intoxicated at the time of the offense.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Evans stated, “You were 27 at the time you committed these offences. It may be you have given some people a false impression that it was her parents who made these allegations against you. That is an emphatically and wholly false thing for anyone to say. The person who revealed what happened was the victim herself. You clearly hoped that being the age she was, she wouldn’t reveal what you had done to her. She does know what you did to her was wrong.”

Grimshaw was convicted of two charges of sexually assaulting a child under 13. The judge sentenced him to four years in prison, with the stipulation that he must serve half of that time behind bars and the remaining period on license. Additionally, Grimshaw was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16, aiming to prevent any further harm.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of child protection and the importance of vigilance within communities like Axminster, where residents are now grappling with the aftermath of this disturbing crime.