A convicted child rapist who befriended families in Carlisle and bought gifts for youngsters without revealing his past sexual offending is beginning another prison sentence.
Robin Arnold, 71, was one of two Brits locked up in 2010 by a court in Albania. Arnold was given a 15-and-a-half year prison term after being convicted of raping a boy under 13 having reportedly become involved at a Christian missionary orphanage.
Arnold was released from custody in March, 2020, and remains subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. One prohibits him from living or remaining at any household in which there is a child or children — unless parents or guardians are made aware of his sexual convictions.
But last month police learned Arnold had befriended a number of African families in Carlisle. He had introduced himself and offered help. His mobile number was shared within the community which led to connection with more people, the city’s crown court heard today.
They included two mothers, each with three children, and a father with two youngsters. On several different dates in late 2022 and early 2023, Arnold had delivered furniture to their homes while youngsters were present.
“The children were familiar with the defendant. He would bring them gifts. They would refer to him as Uncle Rob,” said prosecutor Ben Stanley.
When quizzed by police Arnold, now of Mountain View, High Hesket, near Carlisle, said he’d forgotten about the order’s requirement. He admitted four breaches and, the court heard, had other past convictions for indecent assaults dating back to 1987 and 1994.
Arnold’s barrister, Kim Whittlestone, said he maintained denials in respect of the 2010 convictions. His intentions with the Carlisle families had been innocent, as part of his Christian beliefs, and there was no evidence of offences against any of the children.
Jailing Arnold for 20 months, the judge said of the families: “You deliberately deceived them. I am satisfied of that.
“I find that you are not a frank and remorseful person. You continue to seek to hide behind half-truths and lies. You perhaps deceive yourself as much as you seek to deceive others.”
The order continues to run.
A Cumbria police spokesman said after today’s hearing: “We work hard to monitor and manage people who are subject to such orders as part of our work to protect the public. As in this case, we will find out if people breach the terms of these preventative orders — and we will do all we can to ensure they are held accountable for their offending.”
