TIVERTON MAN ROBIN TOY FACES JAIL OVER SEXUAL PROPOSAL TO 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In April 2014, a serious incident involving a local school advisor from Tiverton has come to light, leading to legal action and a ban from working with children. Robin Toy, aged 29, was found to have made a disturbing sexual proposition to a 15-year-old girl through Facebook messages, raising concerns about his conduct and the safety of minors in his community.

According to reports presented at Exeter Crown Court, Toy was scheduled to participate in a martial arts competition against the girl. During the lead-up to this event, he sent her a message suggesting that the winner of the contest should be rewarded with a sexual act. This message was part of a series of inappropriate communications, which included unwanted texts and messages in which Toy expressed that he had been dreaming about her. The court was told that these messages caused the girl significant distress, prompting her to delete some of the exchanges.

Robin Toy, who runs his own information technology business in Mid Devon and has previously served as a consultant for at least one local school, has now been officially barred from working with children. His actions have led to a conviction for inciting a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity between October 1 and October 7 of the previous year. Toy admitted to the charges, which included encouraging the girl to participate in sexual acts, specifically mentioning oral sex as a potential prize for a martial arts contest.

During the court proceedings, Toy claimed that the Facebook exchange was merely innocent banter that had gone too far, denying any sexual interest in the girl. It was also revealed that he had only recently married when he sent the messages, adding a layer of complexity to his personal circumstances. Despite his claims of innocence, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of incitement.

Judge Erik Salomonsen addressed Toy directly, acknowledging his good character and the remorse he had shown. The judge noted the presence of supportive letters, including a particularly moving one from Toy’s wife. Nevertheless, the court imposed strict penalties, including a two-year supervision order, a requirement to attend a sex offender’s course, a fine of £2,560 to cover costs, and a five-year registration on the sex offenders’ register. Additionally, Toy was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which restricts his contact with individuals under 16 and prevents him from working with children.

Prosecutor Adrian Chaplin outlined that Toy had met the girl through a local sports club and had previously sent her messages that upset her, including a late-night message claiming he had been dreaming of her. The messages became increasingly suggestive, especially as Toy and the girl prepared to face each other in a martial arts contest. He proposed various prizes, including sexual acts, which the girl explicitly rejected, stating she did not want further contact. Toy apologized for his messages, but the damage was done.

It was also revealed that Toy, who married in August, was eager to maintain contact with the girl despite her clear disinterest and the fact that his wife was unaware of these communications. During police interviews, Toy dismissed the messages as mere banter and joked about the situation. However, the court emphasized that his actions constituted an incitement to sexual activity, knowing the girl’s age.

In his defense, Sarah Hornblower, representing Toy, expressed remorse and explained that the defendant had suffered depression and even attempted suicide following the police interview. She highlighted that Toy was committed to working with probation services to address his behavior and that he employed an apprentice in his business, who could be adversely affected if Toy were jailed.

Earlier in January 2014, Toy had admitted to sending suggestive texts and Facebook messages to the same girl, encouraging her to engage in sexual acts. He pleaded guilty to inciting her to perform oral sex between October 1 and 7, but denied two other charges related to encouraging full sexual intercourse, which the prosecution chose not to pursue. The case was scheduled for trial at Exeter Crown Court, but Toy’s guilty plea resulted in an adjournment for pre-sentence reports.

Prosecutor Chaplin clarified that while Toy’s actions amounted to encouraging sexual activity, both sides agreed that no actual sexual activity was likely to occur, given the girl’s refusal and the nature of the messages. The key issue was the suggestion and the age difference, which created legal concerns. The judge indicated that sentencing could involve a custodial sentence, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses and the need for appropriate punishment.