In 2021, the Offender Database reported that Steven Booker, then 46, of Rhydwen Drive, Rhyl, and Nicholas Roberts, then 46, of Cheltenham Avenue, Rhyl, Denbighshire, were jailed for historical sex crimes. On 18 June 2021, the pair appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentencing after their “horrific” actions from three decades ago finally came to light.
The investigation established that in the summer of 1990, Booker and Roberts targeted a 13-year-old girl in a wooded area in Rhyl. Booker, then 15, raped the girl while Roberts indecently assaulted her. The prosecution reported that the offences were only brought to police attention after the victim became an adult and found the courage to report the trauma. Furthermore, the court heard that approximately one year later, Roberts carried out a separate rape of a different girl at a house in Rhyl.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
His Honour Judge David Hale emphasised that the defendants had hoped their crimes “would never see the light of day.” The court reported that Booker had instigated the initial attack by asking Roberts, “Wanna go, Nick?” during the assault in the woods. The judge emphasised that while the defendants were teenagers at the time, they must have lived with the shame of what they did to a 13-year-old child.
The prosecution emphasised the profound long-term harm caused to both survivors. One victim reported that the abuse destroyed her ability to trust and be intimate, while the second victim described suffering from flashbacks and feeling unsafe in Rhyl. Despite the defence emphasising Roberts’ learning difficulties and Booker’s claim of “sexual experimentation,” the judge emphasised that the acts were deliberate and required custodial punishment to reflect the gravity of the violation.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For their crimes in North Wales, the defendants were handed:
- Steven Booker: Two years and six months in immediate custody for rape and two concurrent six-month terms for indecent assault.
- Nicholas Roberts: Three years and six months in immediate custody for rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault of a child under 13.
- Restraining Orders: Both men received lifelong orders prohibiting any contact with their victims.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Booker and Roberts are managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by North Wales Police. Their history of joint and individual predatory behaviour against children means their status is under high-level scrutiny by authorities in Rhyl.
As lifetime registrants on the Sex Offenders Register, both men must comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding their residences and travel. Authorities state that the lifelong restraining orders are essential to protect the survivors from further distress. Any attempt to breach these conditions or contact the victims will result in their immediate arrest and return to Mold Crown Court. The police emphasised that this case demonstrates that time is no barrier to achieving justice for survivors of sexual violence.
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.