Locations
Stockton Grove, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32
Description
A pensioner who confessed to assaulting a schoolboy at least 74 times has been locked up for his horrific sex abuse. Robert Newman raped and sexually assaulted the young boy in what has been described as one of the most shocking cases of abuse seen by detectives.
The 74-year-old first met the youngster in the late 90s before befriending the boy and his family. He then arranged to take his victim on days out before attacking him at his home.
Newman, of Stockton Grove, Leamington, admitted 21 counts of indecent assault and six counts of rape. He was jailed for 15 years and two months at Warwick Crown Court last week.
A court heard how the sex offender met his victim in Rugby, with most of the cruel abuse taking place at Newman's home in the town after he had groomed the boy. On one occasion, he assaulted his victim during a trip to Flecknoe, Warwickshire.
Newman's abuse then continued for four years when the boy was in his early teens. The convict admitted to sexually assaulting his young victim at least 74 times - although the exact number of times he carried out his abuse is likely to be higher, police said.
The paedophile was convicted following an investigation by Warwickshire Police. Investigating officer Detective Constable Liam Crouch, from CID at Rugby Police Station, said: "This is one of the most shocking cases of abuse I have seen.
"The victim of these horrendous offences was a child; he had every right to feel safe. Instead, he was subjected to the most abhorrent abuse.
"Newman groomed his victim and took sexual advantage of him over a prolonged period. The significant amount of time that passed since these offences occurred was no barrier to us investigating and bringing Newman to justice.
"As soon as these offences were reported we launched a thorough investigation that resulted in Newman receiving a significant custodial sentence. Warwickshire Police is committed to investigating sexual offences against children, regardless of the passage of time.
"The bravery of the victim meant that a serious sex offender has finally been brought to justice. Newman is likely to spend most of his remaining life behind bars and I hope this will bring some comfort to him."