Romford paedophile who repeatedly raped child claimed he was 'gobsmacked' by allegations

A “gobsmacked” Essex paedophile who repeatedly raped a child over several years has been given 15 years. Adrian Morbey, 72, insisted there was “not a chance” he was guilty. Morbey was found guilty at at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday (November 27) of four counts of indecent assault on a child, two counts of indecency with a child and one count of raping a child aged under 16.

He will also be on the sex offenders’ register for life. The attacks began as sexual assault before progressing to rape. Morbey was interviewed under caution in December that year. He said “nah, not a chance.” He added: “I never behaved inappropriately with her at all" and addressing the allegations, said "I’m gobsmacked. I’m completely floored.”

The court heard that in 1989 Morbey started to intercept the victim, then aged just seven, when she was on her way home from school and would take her to various locations. The offending began as sexual assault and progressed to rape. Morbey would also shower her with over-the-top gifts and money.

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The victim’s mother approached police in 2018 and told them she believed her daughter had been sexually assaulted by Morbey. As a result, officers contacted the victim and asked her if she wanted to disclose any offences, she then revealed she had been sexually assaulted and raped by Morbey.

Detective Sergeant Charlie Yexley, from the Met Police's East Area’s Public Protection team, said: “I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in reporting Morbey to us, and for having to re-live her horrific ordeal while providing two extremely detailed video recorded interviews to help ensure Morbey was brought to justice for his heinous crimes.

"The victim had understandably blocked out a lot of what Morbey had done to her and so it was extremely painful for them to talk about this nightmare in such detail. I hope him being behind bars gives her a little bit of closure.

“I would also like to commend the officer in the case DC Jessica Stephens for working so tirelessly to secure justice for the victim. Sexual assault and rape cases are never simple to investigate, never mind ones dating back over 30 years. However, this did not deter DC Stephens who was determined to see Morbey get his day in court – where the jury convicted him due to the overwhelming evidence presented.

“I hope this case highlights that the Met is committed to tackling violence against women and girls and we will thoroughly investigate all allegations of sexual assault, no matter how long ago they happened.”

If you’ve been a victim of rape or sexual assault, charities and support agencies can offer help and guidance:

• National Association for People Abused in Childhood NAPAC helpline: 0808 801 0331

• Rape Crisis: 08085002222

• Childline: 0800 1111

• National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline 0808 802 9999

• Survivors UK : 0203 598 3898, info@survivorsuk.org.

• Samaritans : 116 123 jo@samaritans.org