ROBERT PEARCE FROM BERMONDSEY SENTENCED TO 35 YEARS FOR ABUSING CHILDREN IN LONDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Robert Pearce, a 54-year-old man from Bermondsey, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 35 years after being convicted of sexually abusing six young girls over an 18-year period. The crimes, which spanned from 1999 to 2017, involved a series of heinous acts including rape, indecent assault, and grooming, all committed under the guise of his leadership role within a live action roleplay group for children.

Pearce’s abuse was uncovered after one of his young victims confided in her mother about his inappropriate behavior. The girl, who was under the age of 10 at the time, revealed that Pearce had shown her pornographic videos depicting couples engaged in sexual acts and had begun explaining these acts to her. The situation escalated when Pearce started touching her inappropriately, specifically around her genital area and over her undergarments, which left her feeling upset and distressed. This disclosure prompted a thorough investigation by authorities.

Following the report, a diligent police officer conducted inquiries that involved speaking with multiple adults, revealing a pattern of abuse that extended beyond the initial victim. It was established that Pearce’s offending included sexual touching, kissing, coercing young girls into sexual acts, and five counts of rape. One particularly disturbing incident involved Pearce giving alcohol to a victim until she was incapacitated, then raping her. Another victim believed she was in a romantic relationship with Pearce, despite her being a minor and him significantly older.

The court heard that many of Pearce’s victims suffered severe psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and nightmares. During the trial, one victim emotionally expressed her pain, stating, “I feel so alone, I am broken. I hate myself and my life, I don’t want to do this anymore.” Each girl was unaware that Pearce had been abusing other children, and they all spoke of the anxiety and confusion caused by the trial process. One victim described feeling insignificant and isolated, explaining, “I was alone because I couldn’t tell anyone. I think ‘why didn’t you say anything?’ but it’s easier said than done. I didn’t understand what was going on, I knew it was wrong. As a child, you wonder if they’ll be angry or upset with you, and you blame yourself.”

Prosecutor Ross Cohen highlighted the aggravating factors of the case, emphasizing the repeated nature of Pearce’s offenses, the multiple victims involved, and the betrayal of trust through grooming behaviors. Pearce had used manipulative tactics such as sending text messages, offering money, and giving gifts to gain the trust of his victims. Several charges involved multiple incidents, with one victim describing her experience as a “campaign of rape.”

Pearce was reported to the police in 2020, which led to further disclosures from other victims. Despite denying the charges, he was convicted on multiple counts, including five of rape, twelve of indecent assault, one of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child, two of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual acts, two of assault, and one of causing a child under 16 to watch sexual images.

At Croydon Crown Court, Judge Daniel Flahive sentenced Pearce to 27 years in prison, with an additional eight years on extended license. The judge emphasized the danger Pearce posed to the public, stating, “That sentencing does not protect the public from you. You pose a danger to young women and indeed to children.” Pearce was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and will be registered as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

In a related case from April 2022, Pearce was found guilty of sexually assaulting girls as young as seven through his role in the same live action roleplay group. The convictions, which included five counts of rape and twelve of indecent assault, further underscored the extent of his predatory behavior. The police investigation that led to these convictions was initiated after one of the offenses was reported in 2020, prompting additional victims to come forward and share their experiences. Pearce’s sentencing for these crimes is scheduled for June 20, 2022, continuing to bring justice for his victims and highlighting the serious nature of his crimes.