Worcester man jailed for abusing girl 33 years ago (From Worcester News)

Worcester man jailed for abusing girl 33 years ago

5:41pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in News By Freya Leng

A WORCESTER man has been jailed for six years for sexually assaulting a young girl more than three decades ago

John Roberts, aged 51, formerly of Fox Drive, was sentenced today at Worcester Crown Court for three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14.

He has also been disqualified with working for children and will have to sign the Sexual Offenders Register for life.

The counts relate to three occasions in 1979 and 1980 when he sexually assaulted a six-year-old girl.

The offences came to light when his victim contacted West Mercia Police in January.

Detective Sergeant James Bayliss of Worcester CID said: “These were horrendous crimes and among the most serious that could be classified as indecent assault.

“If Roberts had been charged under current legislation one of these offences would have been classified as rape.

“Roberts took advantage of a position of trust and used it to abuse a young girl. She has carried this burden her whole life and finally got the courage to contact the police more than 30 years later and tell us what happened to her.

“In this case we have been able to get Roberts imprisoned within three months of the victim contacting us, not least because he admitted the crimes immediately and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

“While not all investigations will be this quick, I want to reassure any victims of historic sexual abuse that have not come forward, they can contact the police no matter how long ago the offences took place.

“If you do get in touch with West Mercia Police, you will be treated with respect and consideration, we will investigate your report and where possible we will pursue prosecutions.”

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, or are worried about someone you know being abuse, call West Mercia Police on the non-emergency police number 101.

You can also contact The Glade centre, which offers a service people who have experienced rape or sexual assault in Worcestershire and the surrounding areas.