Lowestoft man jailed for string of sexual offences against children

Gary Robson pleaded guilty to eight offences, and not guilty to two more.

A 59-year-old man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for a string of sexual offences against children.

Gary Robson, of Durban Road in Lowestoft, Suffolk, was charged with 10 offences and jailed at Ipswich Crown Court.

The offences took place between 2016-22 in the Southwold and Blythburgh area, on girls varying in age.

DC Jessie Hodds of the safeguarding and investigations unit thanked the victims for their strength.

She said: "This was a highly complex and difficult case to investigate and I thank the victims and their families for their on-going support, resilience, strength and patience in bringing this case to court.

"Without their evidence, it would have been extremely hard to secure this conviction and sentence. The victims will never forget what happened, but I hope this sentence brings some closure to their ordeal."

The former Southwold shop keeper pleaded guilty to eight offences in total:

• Two counts of sexual touching of a girl under 13

• One count of sexual assault by penetration of a girl under 13

• One count of sexual touching of a girl under 16

• One count of making 334 Category A indecent images of children

• One count of making 349 Category B Indecent images of children

• One count of making 630 Category C indecent images of children

• One count of recording images beneath the clothing of another person without them knowing, also known as an 'upskirting' offence

Robson pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual touching of a girl under 16.

DI Simon Bridgland said: "This conviction does demonstrate allegations will be fully investigated and we have dedicated specially trained officers who work with the victims of sexual assault.

"Child abuse is often a hidden crime, and we work to ensure that the voice of the child is heard and concerns of abuse or neglect are reported and investigated."