Pensioner jailed for 20 years in shocking
child abuse case spanning four decades
A 74-year-old man from Hakin, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a series of horrific sexual offences against young girls, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Alan Roberts, of Picton Road, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Oct 15), where he pleaded guilty to 23 child sex abuse offences committed over a period of more than 40 years. The court heard disturbing details of Roberts’ crimes, which took place between 1976 and 2018, involving six victims aged between five and 12 years old.
Prosecutor Craig Jones presented a harrowing account of Roberts’ offences, which began when the defendant was in his late twenties. The court was told that Roberts’ first victim was between six and 12 years old when the abuse occurred. Mr Jones revealed that Roberts would sexually touch the girl and coerce her into performing sexual acts.
As the proceedings unfolded, it became clear that Roberts’ criminal behaviour had continued unabated for decades. The court heard how he had systematically abused multiple victims, with his most recent offence occurring when he was in his late sixties, targeting a child of just five or six years old.
One particularly distressing aspect of the case was the long-lasting impact on the victims. Mr Jones told the court that one survivor had “kept it locked away” out of fear that she wouldn’t be believed, while another “struggled as a teenager and became withdrawn” as a result of the trauma she had endured.
Stuart John, representing Roberts, conceded that a significant custodial sentence was inevitable given the nature and extent of the offences. He stated that his client “understands he has ruined a great many lives over a very long period”, adding that Roberts wished to address the issues that had led to his offending.
Judge Catherine Richards, in her sentencing remarks, emphasised the prolonged nature of Roberts’ crimes, stating, “Your sexual offending against pre-pubescent girls went on over three to four decades. The blame for your repeated offending sits squarely on you.”
In addition to the 20-year prison term, Roberts will serve an extended licence period of two years. The court also imposed indefinite restraining orders to protect each of his victims, and Roberts will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
The case has raised questions about how such prolonged abuse could have gone undetected for so long. Local authorities and child protection agencies are likely to face scrutiny in the wake of this shocking revelation.
It has much to do with the lack of teaching on schools about child sexual abuse. Schools teach utter nonsense about gender fluidity, but useful information about real paedophiles and child sexual abuse is not taught.
Check out erinslaw.org. Erin Merryn has succeeded in getting laws passed in 38 states in the US and one in India, requiring Safe/non safe touch, and who to tell and how to tell, being taught in schools with federal funding.
Detective Inspector Sarah Davies, who led the investigation, spoke outside the court: “This case demonstrates that no matter how long ago abuse took place, we will listen, investigate thoroughly, and bring perpetrators to justice. I commend the bravery of the victims in coming forward and hope this sentence brings them some measure of closure.”
The sentencing of Alan Roberts serves as a stark reminder of the devastating and long-lasting impact of child sexual abuse. It also underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable children and encourage survivors to come forward, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
As the community of Hakin comes to terms with the revelations, support services have been made available for those affected by the case. Local councillor Mary Evans stated, “Our thoughts are with the survivors. We must ensure that such crimes are never allowed to persist undetected in our community again.”
Man charged with over 70 historic sexual assault
offences against multiple children in Coffs Harbour
The alleged offending occurred between 1998 and 2008, with eight children believed to be victims.
A man who allegedly sexually assaulted several children on NSW’s Mid North Coast has been hit with more than 70 historic sexual assault charges.
A strikeforce was launched in November 2023 after allegations a man sexually assaulted children in the Coffs Harbour area between 1998 and 2008.
A 54-year-old man was arrested at Goulburn Police Station about 10am Tuesday following investigations.
He has been charged with 76 historical child sex and physical violence offences.
The man was refused bail and is set to front Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday.
Investigations under the strikeforce remain ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.
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