TIMOTHY ROLFE SENTENCED IN SOUTH WONSTON FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN

In April 2022, Timothy Rolfe, a man residing on Downlands Way in South Wonston, was sentenced to serve eight years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences committed against young girls. The court also imposed a four-year extended license period following his release, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. Rolfe, aged 63, had previously pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the abuse of two young victims, both under the age of 13, spanning from 2015 to 2020.

During the sentencing hearing at Winchester Crown Court, the family members of the victims were present to witness the culmination of justice as Rolfe was formally sentenced and taken into custody. Judge Jane Miller QC described Rolfe’s conduct as “manipulative, pre-planned and predatory,” emphasizing the calculated nature of his actions. The court heard that Rolfe had told a probation officer that the abusive behavior was initiated by what he described as one of the victim’s “enticing actions,” which he claimed triggered his conduct.

Judge Miller further remarked that Rolfe appeared to be living “in another world,” admitting that he believed touching the girls was acceptable. The abuse only came to light in February of the previous year when the victims confided in their mother about the incidents. Following this revelation, Rolfe was arrested, though he initially denied the allegations made against him.

Evidence presented during the case included the seizure and examination of an electronic device belonging to Rolfe. Prosecutor Rob Welling explained that the device contained images stored on a memory card, which, upon analysis, revealed counts four to eight of the charges. Welling noted that without the discovery of these images, the victims might have been compelled to testify at trial, highlighting the importance of digital evidence in this case.

Welling also stated that for one of the victims, who was just five years old at the time, it was evident that she had been subjected to a “campaign of sexual abuse.” The impact on the victims and their family was profound, with their mother providing a victim impact statement. She expressed that their lives had been “turned upside down” and described the betrayal and suffering they endured. The mother emphasized that the full extent of the trauma might not be understood for years to come.

In court, Rolfe admitted to two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13, as well as two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching and inciting sexual activity. Of these charges, three involved non-penetrative acts, while one involved penetration. He also pleaded guilty to taking and making indecent photographs of a child, categorized as categories A and B. However, he denied making indecent images of children in category C, which was subsequently laid on file.

Overall, the case highlights the disturbing nature of Rolfe’s actions and the devastating impact on his young victims and their family, culminating in a significant custodial sentence that aims to protect the community and serve justice for the victims.