Francis Robinson: Cooma man convicted of decades-old sex offence

A Cooma man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a minor almost 40 years after the frightening incident at a popular south coast holiday spot.

A Cooma man convicted of sexual assaulting a minor on the south coast has been told of the ”visceral” effect the attack had as the case comes to court after nearly 40 years.

Francis Robinson pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting someone under 16 when he appeared before the Batemans Bay Local Court on March 21.

The conviction comes more than five years after the victim first made a report to ACT Police in 2016, before it was referred to NSW Police in 2018 for investigation, according to agreed facts.

Robinson, who was 25 at the time, is accused of touching over clothes the breasts and vagina of a young child in an act the 75-year-old’s lawyer argued was “on the less serious end”.

The representative of the Department of Public Prosecutions, appearing over AVL, agreed, but also stated that the act was “opportunistic”.

“He waited until he was alone with the complainant before acting,” the DPP said.

“The event has had a continued effect on the complainant.”

Magistrate Michael O’Brien remarked that a brief impact statement provided by the complainant was evidence of the effect the assault had had on her.

Francis Robinson was convicted of a historical sexual assault charge at the Batemans Bay Local Court on March 21. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

“Her response is somewhat visceral, and communicates to some effect the impact this has had on her,” Magistrate O’Brien said.

“I hope that with these proceedings, the complainant can move on with her life and obtain some semblance of comfort, and address the issues that have been raised by this offending.”

The assault occurred at a popular south coast holiday spot in the early 80s, Magistrate O’Brien said.

And, while he stated that the matter was serious, Magistrate O’Brien also remarked that Robinson had not otherwise been before the court for any other matters

“It seems to be an isolated incident in an otherwise unblemished history,” he said.

“As pleas were entered at the first instance, I can accept that as a sign of remorse.

“The testimonials provided also attest to someone who is trustworthy.”

Magistrate Dick sentenced Robinson to a nine month community corrections order.

According to agreed facts, Robinson initially denied accusations of assault when he was interviewed by NSW Police in 2020.

He was subsequently released without charge.