In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Robert Gale, then 26, of Tan y Bryn, Wrexham, was sentenced to five years in prison at Mold Crown Court. A jury of eight women and four men convicted Gale of sexual activity with a child following a trial on Wednesday, 10 April 2019.
The investigation established that in 2017, Gale—who was then 25—had full sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl in a bathroom after she had been drinking alcohol. Judge Rhys Rowlands stated that Gale was a “grown man” who “saw an opportunity to take advantage” of a very young victim. Although Gale claimed he believed the girl was 16, the judge concluded he was “no doubt” aware of her true age.
Criminal Record and Licence Breach
The court reported that Gale had a “depressing” history of previous convictions, primarily for dishonesty. In June 2013, he had been sentenced to 32 months for aggravated burglary and possession of a knife. At the time of the sexual offending, Gale was out of prison on licence and was subsequently recalled to custody.
Following the assault, Gale attempted to manipulate the victim and witnesses by telling them, “None of you tell anything about this because I can get into serious trouble.”
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his “depraved” actions in Wrexham and Mold, Robert Gale was handed the following:
- Custodial Sentence: Five years in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Gale must register with the police for life.
- Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO): A lifetime order designed to protect the public.
- Restraining Order: A five-year order prohibiting him from approaching the victim.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Gale is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by North Wales Police. His history of “serious” offending and his breach of licence conditions mean he remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Gale must comply with strict notification requirements regarding his address and travel. North Wales Police state that they will use all available legislation to monitor offenders who target vulnerable children. Any breach of his SHPO, restraining order, or registration conditions will result in his immediate return to Mold Crown Court.
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