In 2022, John Robert, a West Worthing Paedophile, received a sentence of four years and nine months in prison for the sexual abuse of a child over 20 years ago in Waterlooville.
John Robert West, 42, of Shetland Court, Worthing, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court today, December 12, after being convicted by a jury of child sexual crimes.
The girl reported to the authorities in 2019 that John Robert West had sexually raped her in 2005, when she was just 13 years old. The victim initially reported the assault in 2005; however, she retracted her complaint due to apprehension of the judicial proceedings.
Upon receiving the report in 2019, authorities initiated an investigation. John Robert West was interviewed and then charged with one count of sexual conduct with a minor and one count of inducing a minor to participate in sexual activity.
John Robert West pleaded not guilty; nonetheless, a jury convicted him of both charges in August of this year.
Sentencing, Your Honour Judge Shepherd observed that John Robert West had not extended any apology to his victim and exhibited no remorse or contrition for the acts he had perpetrated.
Detective Sergeant Lucy Gransden, of Hampshire Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, stated: “John Robert West’s actions were utterly reprehensible; he violated the trust of his young victim most egregiously.”
He subsequently lacked the fortitude to confess his actions, compelling the woman to endure a trial.
The victim has exhibited remarkable bravery during this inquiry and trial, and I wish to applaud and express gratitude for her courage in recounting her experiences from her youth. The victim initially reported the sexual assault but subsequently retracted her complaint due to understandable fear of the court process at a young age.
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