Robert Leonard Collier

A 59-year-old man from Church Walk has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for the persistent sexual abuse of two schoolgirls over a two-year period. Robert Leonard Collier, also known as Len, was convicted on 10 counts of indecent assault following a three-day trial at Mold Crown Court.

The court heard that Collier had denied the charges but was found guilty unanimously by the jury. During the trial, the victims provided evidence via a television link to protect their anonymity, as ordered under the Children and Young Persons' Act. Prosecutor Rhys Rowlands highlighted that Collier had initially admitted to the allegations during a police interview, volunteering details that contradicted his later claims of false confession due to claustrophobia.

Judge John Rogers QC described the offences as serious, noting the prolonged nature of the abuse. He took into account Collier's previous good character and his role in caring for his elderly mother, but emphasised that Collier had virtually admitted the crimes when first questioned by police, making conviction almost inevitable. 'Collier had persistently abused the girls over a two-year period,' the judge stated, as reported by Cheshire Live on 30 June 2004.

• Collier gripped the dock and bowed his head as verdicts were read.
• He claimed in court that his police admission was to escape quickly due to claustrophobia from a past work incident.
• However, Rowlands pointed out that tape recordings showed Collier laughing at times and providing unsolicited information, indicating no pressure.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Collier was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life. The case underscores the severity of child sexual offences, with Cheshire Police involved in the investigation leading to the conviction.