Locations
Beachy Road, Crawley, RH11
Description
Roger Robinson, 69, of Beachy Road, Crawley, was sentenced on Monday after he was found guilty in April of 14 counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault against the five or six year old.
The crimes were committed over many years in his home and in vehicles parked in secluded places around the Crawley area.
Her Honour judge Shani Barnes described Robinsons crimes as a campaign of rape that represented the grossest breach of trust.
She described the former transport driver as a predator who enjoyed the power he had over the girl.
Robinson was sentenced to a 22-year sentence, including 18 years in prison and four years on an extended-licence period.
The judge added the four extra years on his licence after concluding he passed a legal test of dangerousness which is a sentencing option reserved for the most serious offenders.
It means Robinson is not entitled to be released half way through his custodial sentence, and instead will serve a minimum of two-thirds of the sentence in prison before he can be considered eligible for parole.
The judge also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which restricts Robinsons access to children when he is released.
The jury returned a not guilty verdict on one count of rape at the trial in April.
Detective constable Dani Flude of the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said: "The victim in this case went through a traumatic experience over several years, as Robinson systematically groomed and exploited her for his own sexual gratification.
"His offending continued into adulthood. We sensitively investigated this case and arrested Robinson, and it became clear that he had assaulted her on many occasions over many years, both at his home and in vehicles parked in secluded areas in the Crawley area.
"I applaud her bravery in coming forward and supporting us through a lengthy investigation, and finally giving evidence in front of a jury.
"We recognise how traumatic this experience has been and we worked with her to ensure her access to advice and support from specialist officers and independent agencies.
"This case demonstrates once again that justice can be achieved many years after offences have taken place."
If you or anyone you know has been subject to sexual offences you can contact the police at any time and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced investigators.