In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that 40-year-old Robert Farr—of Frederick Street, Stonehouse—avoided an immediate prison sentence after approaching three schoolgirls in a park and asking if they wanted to pay him for sex. Farr appeared at Plymouth Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to sexual communication with children. The investigation established that Farr targeted the trio, aged between 12 and 14, while they were using exercise equipment in Mount Wise Park at approximately 7:00 pm.
The investigation established that Farr engaged the girls in a disturbing conversation, suggesting they should become prostitutes when they were older and telling them he wanted them to be “great wives.” The prosecution reported that Farr asked the girls their ages and, despite being told they were only 14, proceeded to ask one of them on a date and discussed younger prostitutes he claimed to have seen. Plymouth Crown Court heard that one of the girls was so terrified by Farr’s behaviour that she called the police, leading to his arrest in the park.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Farr attempted to continue his sexualised discussion even when other boys of a similar age approached the group. The investigation established that Farr’s history involved previous inappropriate behaviour toward females, which Judge William Mousley noted required a determined effort to address within the community. The prosecution reported that although the judge warned Farr he could face two years in prison, it was decided that a community-based order with intensive treatment was in the better interest of public safety.
Judge-led proceedings at Plymouth Crown Court concluded with Farr being handed a three-year community order. For his actions in Stonehouse and the predatory nature of his approach in a public park reported, he was also subjected to a three-month nightly curfew and ordered to attend sex offender treatment. The judge mandated that Farr wear a GPS tag for one year to deter further offending and to allow police to pinpoint his location at the scene of any future reports of anti-social behaviour involving children.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Plymouth and Devon, the status of Robert Farr as of April 11, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: LIBERTY (Sentenced to a 3-year community order in 2020; order now concluded).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements EXPIRED (Added for a period of five years in 2020).
- GPS Monitoring: GPS tag requirement for one year (Completed in 2021).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sexual communication with a child).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court; investigated by Devon and Cornwall Police.
- Criminal Record: Approached schoolgirls in Mount Wise Park; Suggested children become prostitutes; Asked minors to pay him for sex; History of inappropriate behaviour toward females.
- Origin: Stonehouse, Plymouth.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Farr is no longer permitted to work or volunteer in any role involving children. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his opportunistic targeting of young girls in a public park and his history of inappropriate sexualized behaviour—his details remain flagged on the national police database for life. Authorities state that his history identifies him as an individual who will bypass social boundaries to engage children in sexual discussions, requiring ongoing vigilance from local safeguarding teams even after his formal supervision has ended.
As a convicted sex offender, the 46-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national database to ensure his past is disclosed during any relevant background checks. Authorities state that the use of a GPS tag was a vital tool in mapping his movements during his period of high-risk management. Any future reports of Farr approaching minors or engaging in similar “anti-social” behaviour will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who demonstrated a persistent and predatory intent in a community setting.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was spared jail to undergo treatment despite his history of inappropriate behaviour, do you believe that any sexual communication with a child in a public park should result in a mandatory minimum 2-year immediate prison sentence to act as a stronger deterrent?
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.