Following a thorough investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Eastern Child Abuse Investigation Team a 57 year-old man has been jailed for 16 years after he repeatedly sexually assaulted a child in Paulsgrove.

Robert Mellish of Hillsley Road, Portsmouth appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday 2 October, where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison. He was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and told he has to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Mellish was sentenced following his previous appearance at the same court on Monday 24 June, where a jury found him guilty of the following offences, which took place in Paulsgrove between 2021 and June of this year:

DC Emily Sargent of the Eastern Child Investigation Team said, “Whilst I know this result cannot remove the memories of what Mellish has done for the young victim or their family, I am pleased that justice has been served for them and that Mellish is now behind bars where he belongs.

“The support of the young victim and their family has been invaluable in this case and I’d like to commend them for bravery and steadfastness throughout.

DS Lucy Gransden of Eastern Child Investigation Team said “I would also like to thank everyone who has been involved in this case for their hard work, which has helped secure this conviction. 

“I hope this sentence will reassure other victims that we take every report of this nature extremely seriously and we will listen to you if you come forward and speak to us.” 

Anyone who has any concerns about child abuse should contact us on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there is support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

As a survivor of sexual abuse, you’re entitled to support, whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you’re feeling and what you decide to do next.

Please follow the below link for more information;

Support for rape and sexual assault | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary