Desmond Rogers

Desmond Rogers, a 79-year-old pensioner from Cornwall, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for a series of horrific sexual offences against three young girls committed in the early 2010s near Camelford. The case, heard at Truro Crown Court, highlighted the long-lasting trauma inflicted on the victims, who bravely came forward as adults to reveal the abuse that had been hidden for years.

The offences occurred over approximately 10 years, during which Rogers raped and sexually assaulted the girls, all under the age of 13 at the time. He was charged with more than 30 counts, including sexual assault against a child under 13, causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and raping a girl under 13. Rogers pleaded guilty to three counts prior to his trial but contested the severity of the remaining charges. Following a trial last month, he was found guilty on all counts.

• The abuse was uncovered when one victim, upon reaching adulthood, recognised the criminal nature of what had happened to her and reported it to authorities.
• The victims provided moving impact statements in court, detailing the profound effects on their lives, including severe anxiety, depression, a stutter developed from stress, and difficulties in forming relationships.
• One victim stated: 'Over the last few months I have felt anger. How he used us makes me feel angry.'
• Another said: 'It has had a huge impact on my life. It has impacted my ability to make and keep friends... I miss the little girl who loved life and would get up on stage and sing if she could.'

During the sentencing on 6 November 2025, Judge James Adkin addressed Rogers directly, noting that the victims had been very young and continued to suffer, having 'lost their childhood'. He dismissed attempts at mitigation, including Rogers' age and health issues, stating: 'There is little mitigation on your behalf not even age and infirmity.' Rogers, previously of Bridge Road in St Austell, was described by his defence counsel, Ryan Murray, as a man of previous good character who had served in the military and contributed to society. Murray acknowledged the lifelong impact on the victims and noted Rogers' declining health, including a stroke in 2018 and cognitive decline, predicting that 'custody will be difficult for him' and that he is likely to die behind bars.

The sentence includes 21 years' imprisonment with one year on extended licence, requiring Rogers to serve two-thirds before parole eligibility. He has been placed on the sex offenders register for life, issued with a lifelong restraining order prohibiting contact with his victims, and a sexual harm prevention order. Detective Sergeant Sarah Davison of Devon and Cornwall Police, who led the investigation, praised the victims' courage: 'We welcome the sentence imposed on Desmond Rogers who has now been brought to justice for his crimes thanks to the tenacity of his three victims... It’s down to them that he has been brought to justice and this will protect not just them but the wider public and other children.'

This case underscores the importance of reporting historical sexual abuse, with the investigation described as protracted and complicated, spanning four years from the initial report. Sources: Plymouth Live, Devon and Cornwall Police statements from the sentencing hearing at Truro Crown Court on 6 November 2025.