A paedophile from Bermondsey has been given 27 years in prison after raping or sexually abusing children over nearly two decades.
Robert Pearce, 54, was handed the jail sentence on Monday (June 20), after abusing six victims between the ages of seven and sixteen, over an eighteen-year period from 1999 and 2017. He must serve at least eighteen years in prison.
Pearce had been found guilty of 23 offences, including five charges of rape and twelve of indecent assault, in April. Pearce also used his position as a leader in a live action roleplay group to groom and abuse young girls who attended the events.
Bermondsey paedophile: Man who sexually abused six young girls found guilty
PC Helen French, who led the investigation, said: “Pearce took complete advantage of these young girls and his actions have undoubtedly had a significant impact on all of their lives.
“I want to commend their courage and bravery in speaking to police and providing the evidence which has proved vital to his conviction.
“I hope this prosecution shows that we take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously, no matter how much time has passed. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such abuse to come forward and speak to us – we have specialist officers who will listen and support you.”
One of the offences was reported to police in 2020 and a police investigation led to several other victims coming forward.