Police praise 15-year-old victim in attempted abduction court case

Photo: Robert Case arrested on London Street after 45-minute pursuit, 23 October 2016

Police praise 15-year-old victim in attempted abduction court case

Merseyside Police has praised the courage of a 15-year-old victim of an attempted abduction whose bravery in assisting police resulted in the jailing of Robert Case, 35, for 37 months.

Case, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 25 April after admitting the attempted abduction of a child and dangerous driving.

The father-of-three, who had been living in the Huyton area, was told his motives were “both sexual and sinister” by judge Elizabeth Nicholls.

Case had tried to escape police in his van after being seen attempting to abduct the girl on Sefton Street, Litherland, on 23 October last year.

It resulted in a 45-minute pursuit that ended when he was stopped and arrested by officers in Southport.

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Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney of Merseyside Police said: “The victim and her parents have shown a remarkable amount of patience and resilience over recent months.

“This year has been very important for the victim in terms of her education. A court case, and the prospect of giving evidence, is a distressing time for any person, let alone a fifteen year old victim of an attempted abduction.

“I know from speaking to the victim and her family that this has been a very stressful period for them. I can only thank them for their fortitude and willingness to ensure that justice was done in this case.

“Merseyside Police is committed to supporting victims of crime who assist the police and CPS during a very difficult judicial process. Their courage does not go unnoticed and we are there to support them before, during and after a court case.

“We take all cases of this nature very seriously and urge anybody who is a victim of such a crime to contact us.

“We will treat you with sensitivity and be with you all the way through the process.”

The impact the offender had on his victim was illustrated in her victim statement which was read out in court.

She said: “Not long after I had a panic attack. I’ve never had them before. I went dizzy, could feel my heart going mad, everything was spinning.

“I have nightmares every few weeks. I wake up and I’m crying and shaking. Every dream ends in a cliff hanger.

“I had to do a video statement but I’m glad I did it. I felt like if I didn’t do it he’d get away.”

Anyone who wishes to report a crime should contact police on 101, or call Crimestoppers I confidence on 0800 555111.