WILLIAM ROBSON FROM EAST HOWDON SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN NORTH TYNESIDE

In a case that has spanned nearly thirty years, William Robson, a resident of East Howdon, North Tyneside, has been convicted of multiple heinous sexual offenses involving young children. The disturbing history of Robson’s crimes reveals a pattern of predatory behavior that remained hidden for decades before finally coming to light.

Robson, who is now 64 years old, first came under scrutiny after a conviction in 1981 for indecently assaulting an eight-year-old girl. Despite this early conviction, his subsequent offenses went unreported and unpunished at the time. Around the same period, Robson committed a further assault on a 10-year-old boy, an incident that was never disclosed to authorities, allowing him to evade justice for that particular crime.

The pattern of abuse continued into the 1990s, when Robson targeted a seven-year-old girl attending a school in Tyneside. Over a series of incidents, he staged multiple assaults on her, yet these crimes remained concealed from law enforcement and the public for many years. It was only last year that the victims, now adults, finally decided to come forward and disclose the traumatic experiences they endured at Robson’s hands.

Following the revelations, Robson was brought before Newcastle Crown Court, where he faced multiple charges. During the proceedings, he admitted to five counts of indecent assault, leading to his sentencing. The court heard that Robson had expressed a desire to be imprisoned, stating that serving time would bring a sense of closure to his victims. His defense lawyer, Paul Cross, explained that Robson believed that punishment was necessary not only for justice but also as a way for him to atone for his actions.

Pre-sentence reports indicated that Robson possessed a significant level of insight into his paedophile urges, which he claimed he had managed to control since his last known attack. Despite this, the court recognized the ongoing risk he posed to children. Judge David Wood acknowledged Robson’s guilty pleas and his candor since his arrest, but emphasized the severity of his crimes.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Wood stated, “Sadly, both of your victims have been seriously affected by this, right up until today. You are sexually attracted to young children, and you do pose a risk to them in the future. These offences are so serious that only custody can be justified.” Robson was sentenced to three years in prison and was also subjected to additional restrictions. He was banned from ever working with children, placed under a five-year sex offences prevention order, and ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Robson’s case highlights the long-lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and the importance of victims coming forward, even after many years. His actions, spanning from the early 1980s to the 1990s, have left a lasting scar on his victims, and the justice system has now taken steps to ensure he is held accountable for his crimes.