A builder who sexually assaulted a young girl has been jailed for nine years after leaving his victim suffering from depression, anxiety, flashbacks and nightmares. Robert Miller, 58, targeted the girl for sexual abuse, leaving her feeling “ashamed, confused and violated”, Hull Crown Court heard.
The court was told the impact on the girl had been “far-reaching” and had massively affected her day-to-day life. Miller, formerly of Walkington, near Beverley, and later of Riplingham Road, Cottingham, admitted sexual assault of a child and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
He had originally been due to stand trial in August but changed his pleas to guilty at the last minute, on the day a trial was scheduled.
Court hears of abuse and its aftermath
Prosecutor Craig Lowe told the court that Miller behaved in a sexual way towards the girl. Mr Lowe said: “She tried to stop him from doing it but he carried on.”
In a statement read to the court, the girl described the devastating effect of the abuse. She said: “Afterwards, I felt horrible and disgusted. After it happened, he behaved as if nothing at all had occurred.”
The girl also recalled confronting Miller over the lasting damage he had caused. “What you have done will affect me for the rest of my life,” she told him. Miller replied: “I am so sorry. I don't know what to say.”
Victim describes ongoing psychological impact
The girl said she continued to struggle with the psychological consequences of the abuse. “I am now suffering from depression and anxiety on a daily basis,” she said. “He has taken a part of me away that I will never get back. The ongoing impact massively affects my day-to-day life.”
She also described suffering flashbacks and nightmares, as well as feeling ashamed and violated by what had happened.
Miller made no comment when questioned by police. He had no previous convictions.
Defence and sentencing
Defence barrister Oliver Shipley said Miller's decision to admit the offences on the day of the scheduled trial was an “unattractive” feature of the case. Mr Shipley told the court: “I can't offer any explanation for the offending.” He said there was nothing in Miller's life at the time that accounted for his behaviour and accepted that offences of this nature caused far-reaching harm.
Mr Shipley added that the case would mark Miller's first experience of custody. He told the court that Miller was self-employed and had run a busy business in the trades, continuing to work.
Miller, who had been on bail, was sentenced to nine years in prison. He was also made subject to a 10-year restraining order and will be required to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
