ROBERT HOLLIS FROM STOKE PRIOR ESCAPES JAIL AFTER GROPING FIVE-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN WORCESTER

In March 2002, a disturbing incident involving Robert Hollis, a 58-year-old man from Stoke Prior, came to light at Worcester Crown Court. Hollis was accused of indecently assaulting a five-year-old girl after a night of drinking, an act that shocked the local community and prompted a serious legal response.

According to prosecutor Peter Tooke, Hollis behaved in a manner described as 'strange and over-friendly' while sitting on a sofa with the young girl. The court was told that Hollis touched her back and stomach inappropriately, and further escalated his misconduct by placing his hand under a cushion on her lap. The situation was interrupted when an adult present in the house noticed Hollis pulling the girl towards him and rubbing her hip over her clothing, which led to him fleeing the scene in a hurried manner.

Hollis was arrested nine days after the incident and subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge of indecent assault. During the proceedings, he admitted to putting his hand on the child's back or hips but denied any contact with her private parts. Hollis explained to police that he had consumed four or five pints of beer on the night in question, which he claimed affected his memory of the events.

At the sentencing hearing, Recorder Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC emphasized the importance of Hollis understanding the gravity of his actions and cautioned him against repeating such behavior. While acknowledging the seriousness of the offence, the judge noted that it was at the lower end of the scale and took into account Hollis's guilty plea. As part of his sentence, Hollis was ordered to complete a three-year community rehabilitation order, which includes participation in a sex offenders' programme. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders' register for an unspecified period and ordered to pay court costs of £100.

Hollis's defence lawyer, Lee Marklew, suggested that the incident was fleeting and unlikely to have long-term effects on the victim. Hollis, who has three adult children, has been estranged from his wife since 1980, and his family has disowned him. Marklew also noted that Hollis was willing to seek help and expressed a desire for counselling to address his actions.

Overall, the case highlights the serious consequences of inappropriate conduct, even when alcohol is involved, and underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals within the community of Stoke Prior and Worcester.