2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Hayley Parker)
Police have praised the bravery of a depraved predator's victims after he was handed a 15-year extended jail sentence. Bobby Whalley was convicted by a jury of 17 sexual offences against four schoolgirls aged 12 and 13. Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he befriended and groomed his victims in in Newcastle-under-Lyme and manipulated them so they fell in love with him.
He would then control the youngsters telling them he was 'their god'. Three of the children engaged in sexual activity. One of the survivors bravely told someone what happened in 2020, prompting detectives to launch an investigation.
The court heard the abuse has had a devastating impact on all four victims. Whalley, 26, of Lower Bethesda Street, Hanley was given a 15-year jail sentence, which is made up of 12 years custody and three years extended licence. Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Keri Inskip, from Staffordshire Police's public protection unit, said: “Another dangerous child sex offender has been sent to prison because of the immense courage that the survivors showed in coming forward and telling someone what he did.
“We know there are other survivors out there, and we want you to know that we’re here to help you and to act robustly against those responsible for these appalling crimes. We are determined to act as strongly as possible against sex offenders in Staffordshire." Whalley was convicted of 10 charges of sexual activity with a child; five charges of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity with a child; causing a child to watch a sexual act; and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
The court heard Whalley has committed a further sexual offence since these offences happened. Judge Sally Hancox added: "Your risk to young people remains extremely high. I am required to consider the issue of dangerousness.
I am satisfied that you do present such a risk. I do consider it is necessary to impose an extended sentence to protect the public in the future." Whalley must serve two thirds of the custodial term (eight years) before he can be considered for release by the parole board.
He was made the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and was placed on the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life. And he was made the subject of indefinite restraining orders which prevent him contacting his victims. If you’re a survivor of a sexual offence and you feel ready to talk, speak to Staffordshire Police's specially-trained officers in confidence by calling 101 or using Live Chat on the website.
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