SHABAZ ROBERTS FROM BRISTOL AND BRUTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Bristol and Bruton, Shahbaz Roberts, aged 27, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a teenage girl. The court heard that Roberts, a resident of Cole Road in Bruton, committed these heinous acts against a vulnerable girl who was only 14 years old at the time.

The incidents took place in Bristol, where Roberts forcibly engaged in sexual acts with the young victim, including taking her virginity. The court was informed that Roberts also subjected her to inappropriate touching and other forms of sexual assault. The severity of his actions was underscored by the fact that he was found guilty of four separate counts of rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, and three additional assaults involving penetration.

During the sentencing hearing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Michael Longman addressed Roberts directly, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes. The judge stated, “You continue to deny the offences. It does not aggravate the seriousness of the offences. Nothing can excuse your behaviour. It is plain you too suffered traumas in the past which may have affected your own moral outlook.”

Prosecutor James Ward provided details about the victim’s ordeal, describing her as a vulnerable young girl from Bristol who was subjected to these traumatic experiences. He referenced her impact statement, which was not read aloud in court, but he summarized its contents, noting that while it detailed the typical horrors that can affect a victim’s mental health, it did not reach the threshold for severe psychological harm.

Defense lawyer Giles Nelson, representing Roberts, highlighted his client’s background, stating that he is a married father of two children. Nelson described Roberts as a respectful husband and a decent father, and pointed out that character references submitted to the court did not suggest any prior misconduct or character flaws that would indicate a propensity for such crimes.

The case has garnered significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the offenses and the impact on the young victim. The sentencing reflects the court’s recognition of the seriousness of the crimes committed by Shahbaz Roberts in both Bristol and Bruton, emphasizing the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse.