In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that 65-year-old John Michael Robinson—of Blackett Close, Etherley Dene, Bishop Auckland—was jailed for a “prolific” series of sexual assaults against a schoolgirl. The investigation established that Robinson had systematically abused the child, later attempting to silience her by warning that he “could go to prison” if the truth emerged. The prosecution reported that the abuse was finally exposed earlier that year after the victim showed immense courage in reporting the “vile” conduct to a school support worker.
The investigation established that when confronted by police, Robinson did not deny the allegations, stating that if the victim said it happened, “it happened,” though he claimed he could not recall the specific incidents. The prosecution reported that during a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court in August 2020, he admitted to six counts of sexual assault. It was revealed that while the first five counts were specific strikes, the sixth count served as a representative charge covering at least ten further “heinous” assaults.
Judicial Findings and Sentencing
The court reported that Robinson’s “predatory” behaviour had caused severe, long-term psychological damage to the victim. The investigation established that Robinson had “used her for sex” over a sustained period. The prosecution reported that during the sentencing hearing, Judge James Adkin condemned the pensioner’s actions, noting that his claimed lack of memory did nothing to mitigate the “sinister” nature of the prolonged abuse or the breach of trust involved.
Judge-led proceedings concluded with Robinson being sentenced to 80 months (six years and eight months) in prison. For his actions in Bishop Auckland and the nature of the “stomach-churning” sexual violence reported, he was also handed an additional one-year extended licence period to be served upon his release. The judge noted that this extension was necessary to ensure the ongoing monitoring of a man who posed a significant risk to children.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the judicial orders issued at Durham Crown Court in 2020:
- Custodial Status: SERVING (Sentenced to 80 months in 2020; currently incarcerated or on licence).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active FOR LIFE.
- SHPO Status: Active FOR LIFE (Sexual Harm Prevention Order strictly controlling residency, internet access, and contact with minors).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults; permanently barred from all regulated activity).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sexual assault x6, including representative counts of multiple strikes).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Durham Crown Court; investigated by Durham Constabulary.
- Criminal Record: Pensioner who carried out at least 15 separate sexual assaults; Attempted to manipulate the victim into silence; Admitted responsibility while feigning memory loss; Subject to lifelong police monitoring.
- Origin: Blackett Close, Etherley Dene, Bishop Auckland, County Durham.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Robinson is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in County Durham. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “serial” targeting of a schoolgirl and his previous attempts to evade justice through manipulation—he is a priority for the most intensive post-release supervision. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction ensures Robinson is subject to a lifelong SHPO, granting police permanent powers to audit his life and movements.
As a registered sex offender for life, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Robinson’s history identifies an individual who prioritised his own “warped” desires over the safety and human rights of a child. Any failure by Robinson to notify police of his movements in Bishop Auckland or elsewhere, or any attempt to bypass his lifelong monitoring requirements, will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who has violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the offender admitted responsibility but claimed he “could not recall” the crimes, do you believe that “Feigned Memory Loss” should be legally classified as an aggravating factor that increases the mandatory minimum sentence?
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.