Personal Injury Solicitors

A man who offered to babysit and went on to sexually abuse his young charge has been jailed for 16 years at Truro Crown Court.

Robert Skerman, 38, of Redway Drive in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing, following his conviction by a jury for a number of sexual offences against a child, including rape.

Skerman had previously entered guilty pleas to three offences of possession of indecent images of children – and one offence of distribution of indecent images of children.

The jury heard how Skerman subjected his young victim to “horrific abuse” in her own home during a time when he had been placed in a significant position of trust, having offered to babysit.

His Honour Judge Evans told Skerman:

“You are a dangerous paedophile – you pose a significant risk of causing serious psychological harm to other children.

“These offences demonstrate a serious level of planning – you took all sorts of steps to engineer the opportunities to abuse. The circumstances of these offences and all the factors lead me to determine you are dangerous.”

His Honour Judge Evans commended the family for the manner in which they gave their evidence at the trial.

After sentencing, Crown Prosecution Service South West District Crown Prosecutor, Allie Longhorn, said:

“This was a horrendous incident in which a shocking attack was carried out on a young child – it was premeditated and demonstrates an appalling breach of trust in circumstances where the child’s mother had accepted his offer to babysit while she went out to work.

“While the ramifications of Skerman’s actions may be felt by the young victim and her family for the rest of her life, it is hoped that the sentencing today will bring some them some comfort.”

Skerman was sentenced to 16 years in jail, with a further four years' suspended sentence – and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors can advise those who have been subjected to physical and/or sexual abuse on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Personal injury claims have to be made within three years of injury or diagnosis of injury. Claims for physical and sexual abuse can be made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme once a conviction has been obtained – and/or via the civil courts on a no win no fee basis.

Duncan Lewis can advise on historical cases of sexual abuse, as well as unprovoked attacks on prisoners in custody who wish to make a claim.

Duncan Lewis can also advise parents, guardians and carers on claims involving children.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Physical and Sexual Abuse Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.