Role play group leader repeatedly raped six children over 18-year period

A live action role play group leader struck up friendships with women so he could repeatedly rape and abuse six children over a period of almost 20 years.

Robert Pearce, 54, of the Neckinger Estate in Bermondsey, was convicted of 23 offences following a trial at Croydon Crown Court, which concluded on Tuesday.

The offences, which include five counts of rape and 12 counts of indecent assault, relate to six victims aged between seven and 16, and took place between 1999 and 2017.

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 to and support you.”

Pearce also used his position as a leader in a live action role play group to groom and abuse young girls who attended the events.

One of the offences was reported to police in 2020 and further enquiries from officers led to a number of other victims disclosing similar allegations.

Pearce will be sentenced at the same court on Monday, June 20.