WAYNE ROBERTS SHOCKS PERSHORE WITH CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND BRIBERY CASE
In May 2018, a disturbing case emerged from Pershore involving Wayne Roberts, a man who committed heinous acts of sexual exploitation against a young girl.The case came to light after police investigations revealed a pattern of abuse that included bribery, manipulation, and the creation of explicit material involving the minor.
Roberts, aged 37 and residing on Wescott Way in Pershore, engaged in a series of criminal activities during 2016 and 2017.
He used sweets and other treats as bribes to lure the underage girl into his control, effectively grooming her for his own gratification.
His actions extended beyond mere coercion; he took explicit photographs and videos of her while she was naked, arranging her in sexual positions for his personal pleasure.
These recordings were part of the evidence that ultimately led to his arrest and conviction.
The young girl, who endured unimaginable trauma, bravely read her victim personal statement from behind a screen at Worcester Crown Court.
Her courage was publicly acknowledged by the presiding judge, who commended her strength in speaking out against her abuser.
During the proceedings, Roberts was charged with multiple serious offenses, including controlling and sexually exploiting a child, engaging in sexual activity with a minor, controlling and prostituting her, and inciting her to participate in sexual acts.
These charges spanned the period of 2016 and 2017.
Prosecutor Michael Conry emphasized the severity of the case, describing it as not only sexual abuse but also a form of controlling coercion.
The investigation was triggered when police received an anonymous tip from one of Roberts’s colleagues at work.
This tip led to his arrest in Evesham on August 29 of the previous year.
During the arrest, Roberts admitted to the allegations, stating, “It’s not just an allegation – it’s true.” Evidence collected included a mobile phone, which was found fixed to his car’s dashboard, serving as a crucial piece of the case.
Roberts openly described the girl as “his guilty pleasure,” revealing the disturbing nature of his obsession.
The prosecution highlighted that Roberts used sweets, Pepsi cola, and similar items to bribe the girl, treating her as if she were a model or actress on a live webcam, rather than a vulnerable child.
During the court proceedings, the victim read her personal statement with visible distress, her words echoing the pain and fear she had endured.
She was visibly upset, crying as she recounted her experiences behind a curtain, which was drawn around her for protection.
Once Roberts was brought into the dock to hear her account, she managed to compose herself, expressing that she felt a heavy burden had been lifted after speaking out.
She shared her feelings of fear and her desire for Roberts to be imprisoned, stating, “I keep seeing his face everywhere.
I feel scared most of the time.
I want for him to go to prison so I can feel safe.” Roberts’s defense, led by Judith Kenney, attempted to explain his actions by suggesting that a work colleague, whom Roberts confided in, was the one who reported him.
She described Roberts as suffering from low self-esteem and acknowledged his early guilty plea, asking the court to consider this in sentencing.
Judge Jim Tindal delivered a stern verdict, condemning Roberts for his actions.
He stated, “You used her as pornography, like she was a website.
She will have to carry the weight of that for the rest of her life.” The judge emphasized that Roberts’s primary concern was his own needs, disregarding the profound harm inflicted on the girl.
Despite noting that Roberts had no prior convictions and had been honest about his guilt, the judge sentenced him to six years in prison.
Additionally, Roberts was ordered to sign the sex offender register for life, and a sexual harm prevention order was imposed, prohibiting any contact with the victim.
After the sentencing, the judge spoke directly to the girl, reassuring her that she was not to blame for what had happened.
He expressed admiration for her resilience, telling her, “It’s not your fault,” and added, “Although this will stay with you, you have been incredibly strong.
You should be proud of yourself.” The case served as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child exploitation and the importance of speaking out against abuse.
