In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Daniel Robinson, then 34, of Conygar View, Dunster, Somerset, was jailed for two years after a specialist police operation unmasked him as a repeat child predator. On appearing at Exeter Crown Court on 4 July 2019, the defendant admitted to targeting children in online chat rooms. It was reported that Robinson was already a convicted child rapist, having been jailed in 2006 for the rape and sexual assault of a 14-year-old gymnast in the countryside near Watchet.
The investigation established that Robinson utilised the “kids’ channel” of the Chat Avenue website to hunt for victims. The Metropolitan Police and Police Scotland reported that Robinson posed as a 17-year-old boy to groom an undercover officer he believed was a 13-year-old girl named Libby. The prosecution reported that Robinson suggested a video call to engage in sexual acts and encouraged the child to send him indecent images, unaware that his digital activity was being monitored by a Scotland Yard sting operation.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Robinson’s prior conviction for child rape was an extremely serious aggravating factor. Exeter Crown Court heard how a search of Robinson’s then-home in North Devon uncovered four indecent images of young girls on his computer, which he admitted were obtained through his chat room contacts. The investigation established that Robinson had been working as a head chef while living with his family in Dunster at the time of his arrest, managing to hide his history of fitness trainer-related sexual violence in Taunton.
Recorder Jonathan Barnes noted that Robinson narrowly escaped being classified as a dangerous offender under the law. For his actions in Dunster and North Devon, Robinson was handed a two-year custodial sentence. The judge noted that the offences included attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity and making indecent images, resulting in a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to strictly monitor his internet usage and restrict his future contact with children.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Daniel Robinson is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: Two years in prison (2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were maintained for life (due to 2006 rape conviction).
- SHPO Status: Sexual Harm Prevention Order in effect, restricting internet use and child contact.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Exeter Crown Court following a Metropolitan Police and Devon and Cornwall Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity; Attempting sexual communication; Making indecent images; (Prior conviction: Child rape).
- Origin: Conygar View, Dunster, Somerset.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Robinson is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the police and the National Probation Service in Somerset. Due to his history of targeting children both physically in Watchet and digitally in Dunster, his management is subject to the highest level of scrutiny. Authorities state that his SHPO is a vital tool to ensure that his online behaviour is permanently monitored through digital forensic audits, preventing him from using perceived anonymity in chat rooms to target further victims.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Robinson must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of child rape and repeat grooming in Somerset and Devon necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to access unauthorised chat rooms, hide electronic devices, or engage in inappropriate behaviour in Dunster, Watchet, or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for a significant period of incarceration.
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