A man who raped three girls in a UK town and kept recordings of the abuse for more than 20 years has been jailed for 26 years.
John Robinson, 61, abused the teenagers while living in the Walsall area, with offences taking place between 2000 and 2023. Police arrested and charged Robinson after one of the girls, now an adult, came forward. Two more girls were then identified, and officers from West Midlands Police's Rape and Serious Sexual Assault (RASSO) team made contact with them.
Investigation and evidence
Officers investigating Robinson found indecent images and video of the rapes. In some cases, he had kept hold of these images for more than 20 years.
He denied all the offences and laughed when the allegations were put to him, telling officers he had been friends with the girls and that he did not know why they would lie about it.
West Midlands Police said: "Despite this, our officers were able to use technology including facial ID software to identify the victims."
Sentencing and police response
Robinson was sentenced to 26 years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court after being convicted of offences including rape of a child, gross indecency with a child, taking indecent images and sexual activity with a child.
Police added: "We are committed to pursuing anyone responsible for child sexual abuse. No matter how long ago the offences took place, our officers will investigate any allegations they receive and bring sex offenders to justice."
"If you or anyone you know was a victim of child sexual abuse, report it to us via 101 or Live Chat. You can also visit Specialist officers in our Public Protection Unit are here to support you | West Midlands Police to find out more about our Rape and Serious Sexual Assault (RASSO) teams across the West Midlands."
