by Keith Hunt

A judge has praised the bravery of two girls who helped bring their abuser to justice.

Jailing former milkman Gary Roberts for 10 years, Judge Philip Statman said he believed the two victims were truthful when they gave evidence.

“They were extremely brave and they were steadfast,” he said. “Neither of the children should ever feel they have done anything which has led to the commission of these offences.

“They are utterly blameless and good children.”

Roberts, of Trafalgar Street, Gillingham, was found guilty last month of one charge of sexual activity with a child and one of sexual assault.

A jury at Maidstone Crown Court failed to reach verdicts on three other charges of sexual activity with a child and they were left on file together with another allegation of indecent assault.

Roberts, 58, denied all the charges and continues to maintain his innocence.

"you have torn asunder (your victims')trust and inflicted great pain on the family" – judge philip statman

Prosecutor Alexia Zimbler said one of the girls declared she was too scared to tell anybody what happened to her.

Pamela Brain, defending, said Roberts had been of good character and had always worked, but lost his job before the trial.

Judge Statman told Roberts:”You were the adult wholly in control of the situation. You manipulated the situation you were in to your own advantage.

“Each girl bravely gave evidence against you and, as the jury found, truthfully. They relived the ordeal you had put them through.”

One of the girls had been able to move on but the other would need counselling.

“I see in you very little insight as to that which you have done,” said the judge. In my judgement, there is no sigh of remorse. I am mindful of that which you have done to those young children.

“You have torn asunder their trust and inflicted great pain on the family.”

A sexual offences prevention order was imposed and Roberts’ name will appear on the sex offenders’ register, both indefinitely.

Speaking after the case, investigating officer, Detective Constable Ally Smith, said: "I would like to commend the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forward, their composure in reliving their horrendous ordeals and their behaviour in court.

"Cases like this are harrowing to deal with and I am pleased justice has been served."