Former Isle of Wight man Robert Howart Duncan, who sexually abused 2 children, has been sentenced to 12 years behind bars.
Duncan, of Chapel Walk in Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex but previously of Gurnard, near Cowes, first appeared at Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on April 13. last year facing a total of 4 landmark charges; assault of a child under 13 by penetration, attempted rape of a child under 13 and 2 counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a child.
The 61-year-old pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and the case went to trial in Isle of Wight Crown Court.
The court heard how Duncan, who previously worked for 2 local funeral directors, sexually abused the 2 underage girls – 1 of whom suffered at the hands of the pedophile for a period of 6 years. The youngest victim was just 8 years old, with the offenses taking place between 1999 and 2015.
On March 21, a jury found him guilty of 3 counts but not guilty of attempted rape. The case was returned to Portsmouth Crown Court for sentencing.
Appeared in the dock last Friday, Robert Duncan was sentenced to a total of 12 years behind bars and 1 year license. The judge also ordered him to register as a registered sex offender indefinitely and also placed him on an indefinite sexual abuse prevention order.
It has been decided that Duncan must serve at least 8 years behind bars before he can apply for parole, which means he will be behind bars until at least 2030.
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