ROBERT THOMSON EPSOM CHILD ABUSER SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS IN GUILDFORD

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Epsom, Robert Thomson, a man aged 62, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 22 years for his heinous crimes involving the abuse of four young boys. The sentencing took place at Guildford Crown Court on June 7, following a conviction on 24 separate charges related to the sexual misconduct committed over a span of two decades.

Thomson’s offending history is deeply troubling, as it traces back to his roles within various youth organizations in Epsom. During the mid to late 1970s and into the 1980s, he served as an instructor at the Thames Young Mariners, a position that allowed him access to vulnerable children. Additionally, he was a Boys’ Brigade Leader in Epsom from 1972 until 1980, a role that further placed him in close contact with impressionable youth. Later, from 1987 to 1997, Thomson worked as a foster carer, a position that should have been dedicated to nurturing and protecting children but was instead exploited for his own abusive purposes.

The four victims, all children at the time of the assaults, have spoken out about the profound and lasting impact Thomson’s actions have had on their lives. Their testimonies revealed the deep scars left by his abuse, which have led some to contemplate or attempt suicide. The court heard that the victims struggled with mental health issues, feelings of anger, and a sense of betrayal that continues to haunt them.

At the conclusion of the trial, His Honour Judge Jonathan Black commended the investigative efforts of Detective Constable Clare Long, whose diligent disclosure practices played a crucial role in securing justice. The victims expressed their pain and anger, emphasizing that they will never forgive Thomson for the suffering inflicted upon them.

One victim shared, “I suffered from feeling very low and have both contemplated and attempted suicide. I have ended up in hospital before and had to be assessed by mental health professionals. It has made me feel unable to continue living because of how I was feeling and I struggled to see a way forward. Part of me feels like I am still that young boy, trapped in the time period of abuse. I feel reassured knowing that Rob will be brought to justice for what he did to me, although it can’t change the impact it has had on my life from that point onwards.”

Another victim expressed anger, stating, “I feel angry about what had happened to me, as I was just a teenage boy. I struggled to deal with the anger I felt at the time and this has continued to affect my relationships throughout my life.”

A third victim emphasized the lasting damage, saying, “I want to ensure there is no doubt in anyone’s mind just how much you affected my life in so many ways, over 20 years of pain which I would not wish on anyone. You damaged my life, and your impact and impressions leave deeply disturbing memories which will haunt me forever. In my mind, you are a dangerous calculating predator who knew everything you were doing and did not care about the repercussions of your actions. I will never forgive you.”