ROBLEDERA'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN PLYMOUTH: 18 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE AND RAPE
In a chilling case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, Robert Rohleder, a city labourer, was sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse and assault of young children over a span of two decades.Rohleder, who appeared impassively with his hands clasped behind his back, faced a jury of seven men and five women at Plymouth Crown Court.
After a rigorous two-week trial, the jury returned a verdict of 52 guilty and eight not guilty verdicts on a total of 60 charges related to sexual assault.
The evidence presented was deeply disturbing, with numerous witnesses recounting their traumatic experiences of abuse at the hands of Rohleder.
The victims, most of whom were between the ages of five and 14 at the time of the abuse, described how Rohleder exploited moments when he was left alone with them.
They testified that he subjected them to sickening sexual games, which often involved other children, with him either watching or actively participating.
The accounts painted a picture of systematic exploitation, with Rohleder abusing multiple children over many years.
During sentencing, Judge Francis Gilbert QC did not hold back in condemning Rohleder.
He stated, "The evidence this jury has heard overwhelmingly demonstrates that you are an evil man who sexually abused 13 children over a period of 20 years." The judge detailed the severity of Rohleder’s crimes, including the repeated indecent assaults on one girl between the ages of nine and 13, and an attempted rape when she was 13.
A boy who testified described in graphic and distressed terms how Rohleder assaulted him, adding to the gravity of the case.
Judge Gilbert further highlighted Rohleder’s use of threats and violence to silence his victims.
He explained that Rohleder kept the children quiet through threats of violence and actual violence, which allowed him to continue his abuse undetected for years.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, noting that Rohleder was responsible for the rape of two children, the indecent assault of a third (which would now be classified as rape), and the attempted rape of a fourth.
Given the extent and nature of these offenses, the judge expressed concern about the potential for future crimes, stating, "I am satisfied that there is a significant risk of future offences by you." Prosecutor David Evans also brought to light Rohleder’s violent past, which included violent assaults such as pushing a man through a plate-glass window, head-butting another individual, and stabbing a man in Union Street.
For these offenses, Rohleder had previously served a three-year jail sentence.
Rohleder, residing on Mount Gould Road, was sentenced to 18 years in prison, with a deduction of 275 days for time already spent on remand.
Additionally, he was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
As he was led away in handcuffs to begin serving his sentence, Judge Gilbert expressed his agreement with the jury’s findings, stating, "The case was overwhelmingly proved and I entirely agree with you." Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Donna Jordan, who led the investigation, described Rohleder as a sexual predator and a monster.
She remarked that Rohleder appeared benign in court, but in reality, he was extremely dangerous, seizing every opportunity to abuse children.
She praised the victims for their bravery in giving evidence, often fighting back tears or remaining resilient despite the trauma.
Det Con Jordan emphasized the importance of listening to children and acknowledged the courage of those who testified.
She noted that all victims were given the option to speak via video link but chose to face the court directly, believing it was vital for the jury to see them as real people.
She expressed hope that the victims, especially the boy most affected, would find some measure of closure and healing through the justice process.
She also highlighted the recurring question from children about why they did not tell an adult sooner, with the victims often feeling that no one would believe them, which Rohleder exploited to continue his abuse.
Finally, Det Con Jordan commended Debbie Gibbons from Twelves Company for her ongoing support of the victims, encouraging others who have experienced abuse to come forward, regardless of how long ago it happened.
She provided contact details for Twelves Company, urging victims to seek help and reassurance that their cases will be taken seriously and dealt with robustly.
