Locations
Bermondsey, Greater London
Description
One of the offences was reported to police in 2020 and a police investigation led to several other victims coming forward.
A Bermondsey man who subjected six young girls to horrific sexual abuse has been found guilty of several offences spanning nearly twenty years.
Robert Pearce, 54, was convicted of 23 offences at a trial at Croydon Crown Court that finished yesterday (Tuesday, April 12).
Pearce abused six victims between the ages of seven and sixteen, over an eighteen-year period from 1999 and 2017. His convictions included five charges of rape and twelve of indecent assault.
Police said he also used his position as a leader in a live action roleplay group to groom and abuse young girls who attended the events.
PC Helen French, who led the investigation, said: Pearce took complete advantage of these young girls and his actions have undoubtedly had a significant impact on all of their lives.
I want to commend their courage and bravery in speaking to police and providing the evidence which has proved vital to his conviction.
I hope this prosecution shows that we take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously, no matter how much time has passed. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such abuse to come forward and speak to us we have specialist officers who will listen and support you.
One of the offences was reported to police in 2020 and a police investigation led to several other victims coming forward.
Pearce will be sentenced on June 20.