Locations
Hillsley Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6
Description
Robert Mellish, 57, of Hillsley Road, Paulsgrove, was sentenced to 16 years in prison at Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday, October 2. He was found guilty of a number of offences, including rape, involving a boy under the age of 13 with police commending the victims “bravery and steadfastness”.
DC Emily Sargent of the Eastern Child Investigation Team said, “Whilst I know this result cannot remove the memories of what Mellish has done for the young victim or their family, I am pleased that justice has been served for them and that Mellish is now behind bars where he belongs.
The support of the young victim and their family has been invaluable in this case and I’d like to commend them for bravery and steadfastness throughout.”
Mellish was found guilty of the following charges at Portsmouth Crown Court by a jury on Monday, June 24:
Two counts of rape of a boy under 13, on no less than three occasions
Four counts of causing a child under 13 to watch / look at an image of sexual activity
One count of assault a boy under 13 by touching
Three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13
DS Lucy Gransden of the Eastern Child Investigation Team said “I would also like to thank everyone who has been involved in this case for their hard work, which has helped secure this conviction.
I hope this sentence will reassure other victims that we take every report of this nature extremely seriously and we will listen to you if you come forward and speak to us.”
The police have also highlighted that anyone who has concerns about child abuse can also report it anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.
The different types of support and services available to victims of sexual assault can be found on the Hampshire police website.