A Bournemouth man held a boy at knifepoint and raped him

Paul Robins, 59, was convicted by a jury of sexual assault and two counts of rape of a child under 13.

Dorset Police have admitted they did not take a surveillance photo of Robins.

The offenses occurred in the summer of 2008 but came to light after the victim saw Robins in the area and recounted the incident to a support worker.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard the defendant took the boy fishing and recommended they both take off their clothes.

When he refused, Robins held a knife to the boy’s throat to make sure “he was properly naked.” He then forced the boy to touch him before suggesting that he perform a sexual act on him.

The boy tried to refuse and struggled against Robins, but the defendant forced him to do so for about ten minutes.

After the prolonged attack, Robins brandished a packet of condoms and continued to rape him.

The defendant then forced the boy to get dressed and told him not to tell anyone what had happened.

Prosecutor Michael Forster told the court: “He took a condom with him, which you don’t do when fishing unless you’re planning a sexual offence.”

The victim said in a statement that he became more confident as he got older after not seeing Robins in the area.

However, in March 2020, he traveled to a hospital appointment and saw the defendant, causing a nervous tremor in his hand.

He said the tremor lasted months and doctors determined it was related to trauma.

“I couldn’t go out alone because I was afraid he would be here. I lost my job because I was afraid he would come into my work.

“I had to take out loans and now I’m still in debt.”

On April 17, 2024, a warrant was issued for Robins’ arrest after he failed to attend his sentencing hearing in court.

Robert Griffiths, mitigating, said the defendant was arrested after he was found at a known suicide spot in the west of England.

Robins was previously placed under the Mental Health Act and has been on suicide watch since being held in prison.

The defendant has no previous convictions, with Mr Griffiths adding: “He lived a guilt-free life before and after (the incident).”

Judge Jonathan Fuller KC said there was a second incident in which Robins forced the boy to undress and then took photographs of him.

“You had clearly decided that you wanted to abuse this boy and you took advantage of the opportunity given to you,” Judge Fuller said.

He added that Robins shows no remorse for his actions and continues to deny what he did to the victim.

Robins, of Maclean Road, Bournemouth, was sentenced to 16 years in prison plus a 12 month license and given a sexual harassment prevention order.

The Echo requested a custody photo of Robins but was informed by Dorset Police that they do not have one.

Detective Constable Leigh Topol, from the child abuse investigation team, said: “I would like to thank the victim in this case for the enormous courage he showed in coming forward to report these matters to the police and for the manner and manner “The way he supported the investigation and the court.” Proceedings.

“I hope that the long sentence handed down today and the victim’s courage will inspire other victims of sexual abuse to find the strength to come forward and report these crimes to the police, knowing that they will be supported and supported “We will.” We are doing everything we can to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”