15 years for man who abused girl as they watched Finding Nemo
A “MANIPULATIVE” sex attacker who groomed young girls with drugs and alcohol before striking has been jailed for 15 years.
Anthony Morton Roberts, 51, sexually abused one of his victims as the pair watched a Disney film,
Roberts of Market Place, Penygroes, had denied the allegations but was found guilty by a jury following a trial at Caernarfon Crown Court last month.
He had pleaded not guilty to 12 charges which included sexual offences against two teenage girls between 2000 and 2006 and the supply of drugs.
His behaviour was described by Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke as being so serious only a substantial prison sentence would suffice.
“You displayed manipulative and grooming behaviour,” she said. “It was clear you used alcohol and drugs to manipulate one vulnerable girl. You were inciting her to have sex with you by supplying her with drugs.”
In a police interview read to the court, one of his victims said the abuse began when she was in her early teens, after Roberts began supplying her with drugs and alcohol.
She estimates to have been sexually abused at least 20 times.
One attack had taken place after they watched a Disney film, Finding Nemo, at a property he was working on for a friend.
In a victim impact statement read out in court, the woman, now in her late 20s, said she still suffered the after effects of Roberts’ actions.
Roberts, who has 27 mostly drug-related offences to his name, will serve approximately half of the 15 year sentence behind bars, with the remainder on licence.
Some of his family members sitting in the public gallery, cried out as the sentencing was read out.
He was also issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for an indefinite period of time.