ROBIN WALE FROM CREDITON AND NEWQUAY JAILED FOR ABUSE IN EXETER AND SHOBROOKE

In a case that has spanned over three decades, Robin Wale, a 70-year-old man with connections to both Crediton and Newquay, has been sentenced to prison for abusing a young girl during the early 1980s in Exeter. The disturbing incidents, which took place more than 30 years ago, involved Wale luring a 14-year-old girl into woods at Steps Bridge under the guise of a game of hide and seek, and subsequently assaulting her.

According to court records, the victim was so overwhelmed by fear and shock during the assault that she was unable to speak about what had happened for many years. It was only after she learned that Wale might have access to a friend's teenage daughter that she decided to come forward and report the abuse to the police. Her decision to speak out eventually led to a police investigation and a subsequent trial at Exeter Crown Court.

Robin Wale, who is a retired charity worker and formerly an agricultural consultant, was originally from Newquay but now resides at Silver Way, Shobrooke, Crediton. He was found guilty last month of three counts of indecently assaulting the girl, with the offences occurring in 1982 and 1983 when she was aged 14 and 15. The court heard that during a camping trip at Steps Bridge, Wale took two girls into the woods and suggested a game of hide and seek. During this game, he allegedly lifted the girl's top and touched her breasts.

Further allegations detailed that the following summer, Wale visited a house in Exeter where the same two girls were staying. During a walk by the river, he touched the girl, now aged 15, over her T-shirt. The court was also told that he went further, placing his hand inside her pants while they were in a bedroom. Wale denied any inappropriate contact, claiming he could not even remember meeting the girl until detectives showed him an old photograph during his interview.

In sentencing, Recorder Mr. Philip Mott, QC, sentenced Wale to a total of 27 months in prison. He emphasized the impact of Wale's actions, stating, "At the time your victim was frozen with shock and fear. Her impact statement shows the effect this has had on her and her relationships in later life." The judge acknowledged Wale's good character over the past 33 years but stressed that the seriousness of the offences could not be overlooked. He highlighted the significant aggravating factors, including the disparity in age and the victim's vulnerability, noting that she was underage and inexperienced sexually.

This case underscores the long-lasting effects of abuse and the importance of justice, even when many years have passed since the offences occurred.