Man who sexually assaulted a teenage boy now behind bars

Martin Roberts appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Friday 1 November and was sentenced to four years and nine months.

(Pictured: Martin Roberts)

The assault took place in September 2023, when Roberts, aged 41, offered the victim, who was 15 at the time, alcohol and drugs which he declined and invited him into his home under false pretences, before sexually assaulting the boy.

Following an investigation by Middlesbrough CID officers, Roberts of Cobblewood in Midlesbrough was charged and pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child.

Roberts had been on the Sex Offenders Register previously,but was not on it at the time of these offences. 

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Yasmeen Hussain, said: “Roberts took advantage of a teenager who he had invited into his home under false pretences. His behaviour is inexcusable and now that he is behind bars, he can no longer pose a danger to other children.

“Roberts will now go back onto the Sex Offenders Register and a restraining order will be put in place to protect the victim. I hope that the sentence handed to Roberts today goes some way towards helping the boy move forward with his life.”

Teesside SARC offers free support and practical help to anyone in Teesside who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse, whether or not they want to involve police. More information can be found here: https://sarcteesside.co.uk/