On Tuesday, 24 September 2024, Robert Collins, a former educator from Southport, was sentenced to imprisonment for online child sexual offences following a comprehensive investigation conducted by detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, with support from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit and Merseyside Police.
On 9 June 2023, law enforcement conducted a warrant at Robert Collins’ residence on Banks Road, Southport, confiscating his phone, computer, and further digital devices. He was apprehended on allegations of online child sexual offences.
Following an extensive analysis of several chat logs over four years, from August 2019 to May 2023, detectives uncovered explicit images sent to girls under the age of 16, along with discussions indicating intentions to meet them.
Robert Collins, 39, of Banks Road, Southport, who was a teacher at a high school in Sefton, also had multiple graphic photographs of his victims on his mobile phone.
The NWROCU, Merseyside Police, Sefton Council, and the high school have worked together, holding many multi-agency meetings, and the school took swift action by terminating his contract in July last year.
Robert Collins was jailed for two years and six months at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child, attempting to incite a girl to engage in sexual activity, possessing indecent images of a child, and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. He was given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has been ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
Detective Inspector Jon Weir from the NWROCU said:
“I would like to thank the detectives on the investigation team who have worked tirelessly to gather the evidence to bring Robert Collins to justice.
“I hope that some comfort can now be taken that he is behind bars and can no longer cause any further harm to children.
“The significant sentence today is testament to our team’s commitment and dedication to get justice for the defendants’ victims. It further shows that the NWROCU, working with partners, is committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.
“We would urge any child, or young person who is a victim of sexual abuse, or anyone who knows of a child being abused, to come forward and report this to police.
“Call 999 if you suspect such an incident is in progress, or pass any other information via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:
- NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk.
- Childline – call 0800 1111
Mr Alex Wood, Headteacher at Formby High School said:
“We were appalled to learn of these shocking offences. While the offences are not connected to Mr Robert Collins’ work at Formby High School, the severity of their nature meant he was immediately suspended from all duties following his arrest and subsequently dismissed.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students will always be our highest priority, and we have robust safeguarding policies to ensure their protection.
“We have fully cooperated with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Merseyside Police throughout the investigation. Thank them for their diligent work in bringing this individual to account.”
NWROCU can confirm that no reported offences are connected with the school where Robert Collins was a teacher.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 111 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.