BIRKENHEAD PAEDOPHILE ROBIN HAWKINS SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEX OFFENCES AGAINST GIRLS

In a case that has spanned over 25 years, Robin Hawkins, a man from Birkenhead, was finally brought to justice for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls. The crimes, which took place primarily during the early 1970s, have left lasting scars on the victims and have been the subject of a lengthy legal process.

Robin Hawkins, aged 64 at the time of sentencing, was convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault, including indecent assault and rape. The offences were committed over a period of 13 years, beginning when one of the victims was only four or five years old, and the other was just nine or ten. Hawkins’s residence on Liversidge Road in Birkenhead was identified as the location where these disturbing acts took place.

The court proceedings revealed that Hawkins was found guilty of 10 counts related to his sexual misconduct after a trial. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to four other counts, which were considered 'specimen' charges, indicating that the full extent of his abuse might never be fully known. The judge, John Roberts, described the case as particularly troubling, especially noting the psychological impact on the victims.

During the sentencing, Judge Roberts highlighted the severity of the abuse, stating that one victim had been so manipulated that she believed her experiences were pleasurable. The judge expressed concern over this, emphasizing how the victim, as a child, was led to think that what was happening was normal or acceptable. The victim herself later realized the truth only when she was older, after she had been exposed to other children and understood that her experiences were wrong. The judge remarked that the abuse was kept secret from her, with Hawkins actively instilling this secrecy in her mind.

Both victims suffered profound psychological trauma, and the judge acknowledged the long-lasting effects of Hawkins’s actions. He noted that the impact statements from the victims detailed significant suffering over the years, and he expressed his certainty that the abuse had caused them considerable mental harm.

Hawkins’s defense attorney, Paul Becker, argued that his client remained in “denial” about most of the allegations, suggesting a lack of remorse or acknowledgment of the full extent of his crimes. Despite this, Hawkins was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from being in the company of children.

This case underscores the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse, especially when the crimes span many years and involve vulnerable children. The court’s decision aims to prevent Hawkins from causing further harm and to acknowledge the profound suffering endured by his victims.