STEPHEN ROBINSON OF LONGTON SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF SCHOOLGIRL IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Longton, Stephen Robinson, aged 59, has been sentenced to over a decade behind bars after being convicted of raping a young schoolgirl. The heinous incident, which took place in December 2013, involved Robinson grooming the girl before subjecting her to a series of sexual assaults that left a lasting impact on the victim.

According to court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Robinson's actions included a particularly egregious assault where he forcibly placed his hands inside the girl’s leggings. During this assault, Robinson told the girl to forget about what had happened and to move on, an attempt to dismiss the severity of his actions and perhaps to manipulate her into silence. The court heard that Robinson’s misconduct was not an isolated event but part of a pattern of predatory behavior.

Prosecutor Simon Ward detailed the gravity of the crimes, revealing that on one occasion, Robinson lay on top of the girl and sexually assaulted her while covering her mouth to prevent her from screaming for help. Mr. Ward stated, “She thinks he stopped because of her efforts to shout out,” indicating the victim’s desperate attempts to resist and seek help during the assault.

Further, the court was informed that on another occasion, Robinson pinned the girl down, removed her clothing, and raped her while she was screaming. The court also heard that after this assault, Robinson attempted to rape her again, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of repeated abuse. The victim was medically examined, and evidence was found consistent with penetration, confirming the severity of the assault.

During police interviews, Robinson claimed that there had only been one incident, which he insisted was initiated by the girl herself. He denied any sexual contact, attempting to minimize his actions and shift blame onto the victim. Robinson, who resides on Rochester Road, Sandford Hill, Longton, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including raping a child under 13, attempting to rape a child under 13, and four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

It was noted that Robinson has no prior convictions, but he is in poor health and expressed willingness to cooperate with any rehabilitative courses offered during his imprisonment. Despite this, Judge David Fletcher emphasized the seriousness of his crimes and the danger he poses to children. In his sentencing remarks, the judge criticized Robinson’s lack of remorse and his refusal to accept responsibility, stating, “You have no empathy and no remorse for your behaviour. You continued to heap the blame for your shocking behaviour on the shoulders of this girl. That is the most worrying, concerning and aggravating feature of this scenario.”

Judge Fletcher further highlighted the risk Robinson presents, describing him as a significant threat to the safety of children. As a result, Robinson was sentenced to serve two-thirds of his prison term, amounting to over ten years, with an extended licence period of five years to ensure ongoing public protection. Additionally, Robinson was placed under a sexual offences prevention order until further notice and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life, underscoring the long-term consequences of his actions and the community’s need for vigilance.