A registered sex offender, Robert Cross Wakefield Paedophile, has been incarcerated following a conviction for additional allegations of child sexual abuse.
Robert Cross, 36, of Queens Drive, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield, was jailed today at Leeds Crown Court for seven offences of sexual activity with a minor.
The charges are to a male victim and occurred between 2008 and 2011 in the Wakefield region.
The victim reported the abuse in 2021, and further police investigations resulted in Robert Cross’ arrest later that year.
During the investigation, investigators traced a 2016 Facebook message in which Robert Cross acknowledged his wrongdoing and attempted to dissociate himself from both the offence and the victim.
After a trial in February of this year, Robert Cross was convicted by a jury on all seven counts of child sexual crimes. He was sentenced today to nine years of imprisonment, granted an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and mandated to register as a sex offender for life.
Leading the investigation, Detective Sergeant Will Denton, formerly of Wakefield District Child Safeguarding, said: “Firstly, and most importantly, I want to thank the victim in this case for his immense bravery in coming forward to report the abuse he suffered, as well as his strength and dignity throughout the criminal justice process.
“Robert Cross preyed upon and exploited him knowing that he was a vulnerable child, and I hope the sentence handed down today serves as a clear reminder that this abhorrent behaviour will not be tolerated.
“I am in no doubt that Robert Cross, is a danger to children. Twice, he has been found guilty of exploiting vulnerable children. The streets of Wakefield and West Yorkshire are safer with him behind bars.
“I hope that this case helps encourage anybody who has suffered similar offences, recent or not, to come forward and report them to us.
“You will be listened to. You will be taken seriously. Specially trained officers will support you throughout the process. They can also refer you to further help and support if needed.
“We do not underestimate how hard it is to come forward, but I want to assure survivors of abuse, that we will do all we can to secure justice.”
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 101 (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.