ROBERT PENMAN BRIERFIELD MAN SENTENCED FOR INDECENT ASSAULT ON THREE-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BURNLEY

In a case that has shocked the community of Brierfield and the surrounding areas, Robert Penman, a 28-year-old man from Arthur Street, Brierfield, was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incident, which occurred several years ago, led to a lengthy trial at Burnley Crown Court, where Penman faced multiple charges related to indecent assault and threats of violence.

During the trial, the court heard that Penman was found guilty of one count of indecent assault against a three-year-old girl. The assault involved inappropriate touching beneath her clothing, an act that has caused significant distress to the victim and her family. Despite the conviction on this charge, Penman was acquitted of five other allegations of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child, as well as one additional count of indecent assault against another young girl. These acquittals suggest that the evidence for those particular allegations was insufficient or unsubstantiated.

Throughout the proceedings, Penman maintained his innocence, denying all allegations of sexual misconduct. When questioned by police last year, he categorically denied any inappropriate contact with the girls involved. He claimed that he had only tickled the three-year-old victim and insisted he had not engaged in any indecent acts. Penman also stated that the accusations were based on hearsay and rumors that the children had heard from others as they grew older. He further explained that he had threatened to slit the victim’s throat after police were called, but he insisted that his words were meant as offensive threats rather than genuine intentions to harm.

In addition to the criminal charges, the court was informed that Penman has a criminal record, although he has no previous convictions for sexual offenses and has never served time in prison. His defense lawyer, Lisa Roberts, described him as immature and naive at the time of the incident, emphasizing that it was a solitary, isolated event. She also highlighted that Penman had been subjected to an attack following the allegations, which some described as a form of summary justice. The court was told that Penman suffers from depression and had attempted to take his own life in January, and that he had been on a curfew for nearly six months as part of his ongoing mental health struggles.

Judge Jonathan Gibson, presiding over the case, took into account Penman’s age at the time of the offense and his mental health issues when delivering the sentence. Penman was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years and was issued a 10-year sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from having any unsupervised contact with female children under the age of 16. He is also barred from working with children in any capacity. The judge warned Penman that custody was a serious consideration, indicating the gravity of the offenses and the need to protect the community from potential harm.

As the case concluded, the community and the victim’s family were left to grapple with the implications of the conviction. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding children and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice, especially in cases involving vulnerable victims. Penman’s actions and subsequent conviction serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact such crimes have on young lives and the community at large.