On Tuesday, 19 February 2019, the Offender Database reported that Robert Bessant, then 37, of Windermere Road, Moseley, Birmingham, was found guilty of 16 counts of sexual offences. Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, he was subsequently sentenced to 24 years in prison for a 12-year campaign of grooming and abuse.
The investigation by West Midlands Police revealed that Bessant targeted four girls between the ages of 12 and 14. He used his professional background as a personal trainer and masseur to dishonestly claim he was helping the girls with “growth spurts” while indecently touching them.
Grooming and Abuse of Vulnerable Victims
The court heard that Bessant befriended the girls and their families before carrying out the assaults. One of the victims was raped when she was just 12 years old. He went on to engage in sexual relationships with two of the girls, taking advantage of their extreme vulnerability.
The investigation was launched after one girl reported that he had touched her during a massage. This disclosure gave a second victim the courage to come forward. Subsequent police work identified further victims who reported being raped and sexually assaulted. Despite the evidence, Bessant forced the girls to relive their trauma by giving evidence during a trial.
Sentence and Lifetime Registration
For his crimes in Moseley, Robert Bessant was:
- Sentenced to 24 years in prison.
- Found guilty of three counts of rape of a child under 13.
- Convicted of 11 further counts of sexual activity and two counts of sexual assault.
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Bessant is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by West Midlands Police. His residency in Moseley, West Midlands, and his history as a personal trainer remain under lifelong scrutiny.
Any attempt to contact his victims or return to a role involving physical contact or training of minors will result in immediate arrest. West Midlands Police emphasise that their specialist officers remain committed to investigating predators who hide behind professional roles to groom children.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.