In 2007, the Offender Database reported that Robert Zipfel, 30, of Bempton Crescent, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, was sentenced to life in prison at Hull Crown Court. Zipfel, a prolific criminal with 25 previous convictions, carried out a “horrific” abduction and rape of a nine-year-old girl just two months after being released from a prison sentence for burglary.
The court heard that in April 2007, the paedophile targeted the victim while she was playing on her bicycle in her own garden. Zipfel dragged the 4-foot-tall youngster from the property and took her to a nearby cemetery in Bridlington. During the abduction, he terrified the child by threatening to stab her and told her she would never see her parents again if she did not remain quiet. He then subjected her to a brutal rape and sexual assault. The victim was left “significantly traumatised,” suffering from disturbed sleep, eating disorders, and a total loss of independence following the ordeal.
Zipfel, described as a drug addict with a history of burglary, assault, and robbery, was apprehended after Humberside Police matched his DNA to saliva found on the victim’s clothing. The Honorary Recorder of Hull and East Yorkshire, Judge Michael Mettyear, branded Zipfel a “hazardous man” from whom the public required absolute protection. The judge noted that reports confirmed Zipfel posed a “significant risk” of causing serious harm to others.
Robert Zipfel was handed two life sentences for rape and sexual assault, along with a concurrent four-year sentence for abduction. He was ordered to serve a minimum of six years before being eligible to apply for parole. However, the judge stressed that Zipfel would only be released if and when the Parole Board deemed him no longer a threat to society—a decision that rests with authorities after the minimum term is served.
As a result of his convictions for the abduction and rape of a child, Zipfel has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. He is managed under the highest level of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Should he ever be released, he will be subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and permanent, intensive supervision by police and probation services to prevent further predatory activity.
WARNING – Robert Zipfel is scheduled to appear before a parole board hearing at any time. They will decide if he should be released this year, 2026.
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.