In a disturbing incident that has shocked the local community, a young schoolgirl became the victim of a sexual assault in a Stourbridge graveyard. The perpetrator, Robert Osbourne, a registered sex offender, executed this heinous act by exploiting the innocence of a group of children he encountered at the site.
The incident, which took place on October 22, 2021, began when Osbourne approached the children at St Mary’s Church graveyard in Old Swinford. Feigning innocence, he engaged them in conversation and deceitfully convinced a 14-year-old girl to accompany him under the pretext of locating a water tap within the graveyard. It was during this moment of isolation that he sexually assaulted her.
The gravity of this crime was further underscored when the girl, displaying remarkable courage, reported the assault a few days later. The West Midlands Police promptly responded, leading to Osbourne’s arrest in his home area of Green Street, Stourbridge. The effective use of CCTV footage and identification by his sex offender manager were pivotal in his apprehension.
In a subsequent trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court on November 10, Osbourne admitted to his crimes, pleading guilty to the sexual assault of a female over 13 and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). He was sentenced to 35 months in prison and received a new SHPO with stringent conditions.
This case is not Osbourne’s first brush with the law. He was previously convicted in September 2016 for taking intrusive photographs of women on public transport. Although initially sentenced to four years, his term was reduced on appeal in 2017.
Detective Constable Adrian Jackson, from the Sandwell and Dudley Child Abuse Investigation Team, commended the young girl’s bravery in coming forward. Her actions, he emphasized, encourage other victims of sexual abuse to speak out and seek justice. The police have reiterated their commitment to supporting victims, from the initial report to the conclusion of legal proceedings.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community awareness in safeguarding our children. It also highlights the need for continued support for victims of sexual assault and the unwavering pursuit of justice by law enforcement agencies. West Midlands Police urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, or knows someone who has, to come forward and explore the range of support options available.
