A man from Bermondsey has been found guilty of 23 offences after sexually assaulting six children over 18 years.

Robert Pearce, of the Neckinger Estate in Bermondsey, dated women for the purpose of abusing their daughters.

The 54-year-old was convicted of 23 offences in a Croydon Crown Court trial which finished on Tuesday, April 12.

He was charged with five counts of rape and 12 counts of indecent assault which took place between 1999 and 2017.

The six victims were all aged between seven and 16.

Officers say Pearce also used his position as a leader in a live-action roleplay group to groom and abuse young girls who attended the events.

One of these offences was reported to the police in 2020 and further enquiries led to a number of other victims disclosing similar allegations.

Pearce will be sentenced at the same court on Monday, June 20.

PC Helen French, who led the investigation, said: “Pearce took complete advantage of these young women and his actions have undoubtedly had a significant impact on all of their lives.

“I want to commend their courage and bravery in speaking to police and providing the evidence which has proved vital to his conviction.

“I hope this prosecution shows that we take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously, no matter how much time has passed.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such abuse to come forward and speak to us – we have specialist officers who will listen and support you.”

A spokesperson for Met Police said: “A man who struck up relationships with women in order to abuse their young daughters has been found guilty of a series of sexual offences.

“Robert Pearce, 54 (30.12.67) of the Neckinger Estate, Bermondsey, was convicted of 23 offences following a trial at Croydon Crown Court which concluded on Tuesday, 12 April.

“The offences, which include five counts of rape and 12 counts of indecent assault, relate to six victims aged between seven and 16 and took place between 1999 and 2017.

“Pearce also used his position as a leader in a live action roleplay group to groom and abuse young girls who attended the events.

“One of the offences was reported to police in 2020 and further enquiries from officers led to a number of other victims disclosing similar allegations.

“Pearce will be sentenced at the same court on Monday, 20 June.”

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