Swindon man jailed for rape of girl in Cornwall
The 33 year old's been given an eight year jail sentence
Last updated 18th Apr 2024
A man from Swindon's been jailed for eight years for rape and four other sexual offences against a teenage girl in Cornwall.
Aaron Roberts, 33, of no fixed abode, Swindon, committed the offences between May and September 2020.
He was found guilty by the jury after a two-day trial in December 2023.
During the trial the court heard that in May 2021 the victim disclosed to family what Roberts had done to her and it was reported to police.
Detectives began their investigation, and they heard that Roberts had sent the victim inappropriate images of himself via social media. He had also forced her to commit sexual acts on him and forced himself on her before raping her.
Officers recovered messages sent by Roberts to the victim where he said, ‘have to do it again one day’, which was said to relate to the sexual acts. He also suggested they should delete the messages.
When he was arrested and interviewed by officers in November 2021, Roberts repeatedly denied all of the allegations saying, ‘I’m telling you now, I wouldn’t do any of that’.
Roberts pleaded not guilty to the offences but after a short deliberation, the jury found him unanimously guilty of rape, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, attempted rape and sexual communication with a child.
Roberts appeared in the dock at Truro Crown Court on 18 April where HHJ Judge Robert Linford sentenced him to eight years in prison. He will also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Investigating officer, DC Distin said: “I would like to take this opportunity to commend the victim for her bravery and immense courage in coming forward to police to report this crime.
“Nothing will take away the trauma that she has been through, but we hope that some reassurance can be offered in knowing that supporting a prosecution has brought this man to justice.
“We truly hope that this outcome gives other victims the strength to come forward and report incidents of rape and sexual assault to police and reassures them that we have mechanisms in place to help support victims throughout the process”.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Andy Shortern said: “We welcome today’s sentence, I would like to thank the victim for reporting to us and supporting the investigation. This result would not have been possible without the victim’s courage.
“I would also like to praise Detectives from the West Cornwall Public Protection Unit for their tenacity and commitment which has resulted in this dangerous offender being brought to justice."