HAVERHILL MAN ROBERT ROACH JAILED FOR HISTORIC SEX OFFENCES IN HAVERHILL AND SOUTHMISTERN

In a case that has spanned decades and involved serious allegations of sexual misconduct, Robert Roach, a 72-year-old man formerly residing in Haverhill, has been sentenced to two years in prison for two historic sexual offences committed against young girls. The sentencing took place at Ipswich Crown Court, where the court heard detailed accounts of the incidents and the defendant's subsequent legal proceedings.

Initially, Roach denied the allegations when first confronted, but he later changed his pleas to guilty before the trial commenced. The court was informed that during his time living in Haverhill, Roach had engaged in inappropriate conduct involving a 14-year-old girl. Prosecutor Christopher Paxton described how Roach had asked the girl for a cuddle, then took her hand and placed it on his genitals. The girl, who was unsure of how to respond, remained silent during the incident, which occurred more than three decades ago. This particular offence was reported to the authorities only last year, prompting further investigation.

Further allegations emerged involving a second girl, this time aged 12, in Essex. Roach had asked her for a cuddle and subsequently touched her breast. The prosecutor noted that the girl froze in shock, not understanding what was happening at the time. She initially confided in her friends, and eventually her parents became aware of the situation. When her parents confronted Roach, he denied any inappropriate conduct. However, in 2013, after the allegations of historic abuse surfaced, the girl reported the incident to the police, leading to Roach's arrest.

During police interviews, Roach denied the allegations made by both girls. Despite his denials, he pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault. The court heard that Roach admitted to indecently assaulting a girl aged 14 between October 18, 1980, and October 17, 1981, and also pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting a girl aged 12 between July 17, 2000, and September 10, 2000.

In mitigation, Joanne Eley, representing Roach, acknowledged that her client accepted responsibility for the offences but claimed he had no memory of one of the incidents. She emphasized that Roach had not committed any further offences of this nature. Eley also pointed out that while some might view these as isolated incidents, they should not be minimized in seriousness. The court was informed that such behaviour often recurs, but in Roach's case, there was no evidence of repeated offending beyond these two incidents.

Judge David Goodin addressed the court, stating that the offences were very serious and clearly crossed the threshold for custodial sentences. He noted that because the offences occurred many years ago, the maximum sentences available at the time would be applied. The judge also remarked that had the offences taken place more recently, the sentences would likely have been significantly higher. Roach, who now resides at Brewers Yard, Southminster, Essex, was granted bail until his sentencing hearing scheduled for November 5.

This case highlights the long-lasting impact of historic abuse allegations and the importance of bringing such cases to justice, regardless of the time elapsed since the offences occurred.