'Manipulative' man jailed for abusing boys in caravan

A "manipulative" man has been jailed for historical sex offences against two boys, aged 12 and 14.

Robert Court, who also used the name Gyles, was found guilty of seven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity on 9 October, following a trial.

He was in his early 20s when he assaulted the boys in a caravan in Earby and also at one of the boys' homes, between 2011 and 2013, Lancashire Police said.

At Preston Crown Court, the 33-year-old, from Darwen, was jailed for six years.

Police said the first victim came forward and reported what Court had done in March 2021.

Officers then made contact with the second victim, who outlined the offences Court had committed against him.

Court was arrested and initially denied knowing either victim, before later admitting knowing both victims but denying any wrongdoing, the force said.

In an impact statement to the court, the first victim said he "gathered the strength" to report what happened "because I finally realised that this was abuse, and not what I had been led to believe all along that it was experimental".

"It wasn't experimental, I was a child, it was child abuse," he said.

The second victim wrote in his statement that he felt "shame and embarrassment" after he was abused.

Det Sgt Keziah Harrison said Court was a "manipulative individual who targeted two vulnerable and impressionable boys for his warped sexual interests".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.