Self-styled Papa Smurf convicted of raping girl
JAILED FOR 16 YEARS AFTER VICTIM FORCED TO RELIVE ORDEAL IN COURT
A SMURFS toy collector who dubs himself Papa Smurf has been exposed as a child rapist.
Robin White is known for his large collection of Smurfs toys and memorabilia, which he showcased in displays in his van.
In 2017, White, whose birth name is Michael, made headlines when he claimed his collection of more than 10,000 items of Smurfs memorabilia was the largest on the planet.
But the 65-year-old was also a sex offender. He has now been jailed for 16 years.
The victim, who is now an adult, bravely reported how she had been sexually abused when under 16.
White denied the offences, forcing her to relive the ordeal in the witness box at his trial.
From the witness box, she described in full the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of White, including raping her in a shed.
A jury found him guilty of six counts of rape, a number of charges of indecent assault on a child and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Julia King, prosecuting, said White’s actions caused his victim “severe psychological harm” after “degrading and humiliating her”.
Miss King read out part of the woman’s victim personal statement.
She said: “She kept things to herself because she did not know who to trust.
“She says she is unable to trust anyone fully and that this has had an impact on every aspect of her life.
“She says she does not want to go to certain places in case she bumps into him.
“But she also says what gives her happiness is being able to look after herself and that she feels she has closed a chapter in her life now.”
Raglan Ashton, for White, of Hartshill Road, Hartshorne, said his client’s wife is standing by him despite his offending.
He said: “Mr White knows these are very serious matters and that he is facing a significant period of custody as a result of the jury’s verdict.
“He is 65 and this is his first taste of custody and it is always hard for anyone facing it for the first time.
“For somebody of his age it will be particularly hard.
“He has no previous offences of this nature and he is not one of those individuals that can be categorised as a predatory paedophile.”
Jailing White for 16 years at Derby Crown Court, Judge Nirmal Shant QC said: “As she said in her victim personal statement, everything you did has blighted her for the rest of her life.
“It has affected her personal relationships and has affected her personal and private persona.
“To say you have blighted her life in every way is an understatement.”
As well as the jail terms, Judge Shant imposed a sexual harm prevention order for life.
In response to the case, an NSPCC spokesman said: “This case is yet another harrowing example of the effect child sexual abuse can have on victims. It can ruin childhoods and the effects can last long into adulthood.
“The courage of the woman who reported White’s unforgiveable actions cannot be understated, and this sentence shows that no matter when abuse happened, paedophiles like White can still face the justice they deserve.
“We would encourage anyone who has experienced abuse to speak up and seek support.”
Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111. Adults who wish to report abuse can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000 or e-mail: