Crime
Thousands of child sexual offences recorded in Wales – NSPCC launches campaign
NEW figures compiled by the NSPCC reveal that child sexual offences recorded by police over the past year remain close to record levels.
The Freedom of Information data totalled 86,962 child sexual offences recorded by police across the UK in 2022/23, which remains one of the highest on record since starting the annual research 16 years ago.
Types of offences included rape, sexual assault, sexual grooming and sexual exploitation. The majority of crimes where age was known were perpetrated against 11 to 15-year-olds.
In Wales, 4,671 offences were recorded by police forces in 2022/23. This includes:
- Dyfed Powys Police: 838
- Gwent Police: 884
- North Wales Police: 1,096
- South Wales Police: 1,853
This comes as the NSPCC launches a new campaign in partnership with the Home Office to tackle child sexual abuse. Together they are encouraging the public to contact the charity’s Helpline if they are concerned that a child could be at risk. The partnership will also encourage people to report on instances where there are concerns that a child might be experiencing sexual abuse.
The Home Office is providing funding for the NSPCC Helpline to increase capacity as well as to raise awareness of the service to the public and professionals.
The NSPCC has also created two films promoting the new campaign. These films show how adults can use the Helpline to share any concerns they may have about a child’s
safety or welfare. One of these films is tailored to professionals, and the other reaches out to the general public.
The NSPCC Helpline is the charity’s free advice line for any adult who may have concerns about a child, including professionals who work with children. The Helpline’s dedicated child protection specialists can advise on a wide range of issues. Adults can contact the Helpline for guidance and support on issues affecting children, as well as for cases of suspected child abuse.
This new campaign follows a final report released in October 2022 by IICSA (the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse). Over seven years, IICSA received evidence and testimonies from thousands of victims and survivors, resulting in a comprehensive set of recommendations which addressed endemic child sexual abuse.
This report found that child sexual abuse and exploitation had been, and remains, under-reported.
In the 12 months following the IICSA report, the Helpline was contacted the equivalent of once every hour with concerns from adults about children being sexually abused.
One parent from Wales told Helpline*: “My child is being groomed online and I need to make it stop.
They’ve been sending naked pictures of themselves online in exchange for money.
“They think it’s ok because they’re 17 but I know they’re being exploited. They won’t listen to our worries, what’s the best action to take?”
The NSPCC also operates a dedicated Whistleblowing Helpline, which can be contacted for any concerns around child protection issues within the workplace, or other professional organisations.
Childline, the charity’s free child counselling service, also hears directly from children on the impact sexual abuse can have on their lives.
One girl, aged 15 from Wales, told Childline: “Last night, I was at a friend’s house, we were all drinking, and this guy kissed me really hard and put his hands under my clothes.
“I didn’t want him too at all, but he kept going. I was crying when my dad picked me up.
“I tried to explain what happened, but he got angry and said that’s what happens when girls do silly things at parties. I don’t think that’s true, I think it was assault.”
The NSPCC is calling on the general public, including those who work with children, to use the Helpline to express any concerns they may have regarding a child, even if they are not certain. In doing this, every person can play a part in keeping children safe from sexual abuse.
Kam Thandi, Helpline Director at the NSPCC, said: “The high numbers of child sexual offences being reported by police forces across the UK are a warning to us all that more must be done to tackle this abuse.
“This new Helpline campaign, in partnership with the Home Office, will encourage the general public and professionals to reach out with concerns about child sexual abuse. All of us must play our part in protecting children.
“The Helpline deals with concerns, no matter how big or small, and we’re encouraging adults to contact us. What is shared could be life-changing for a child experiencing sexual abuse.”
The Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, Laura Farris MP, said:
“The protection of children is a collective effort. Every adult must be supported to call out child sexual abuse without fear.
“That’s why we’re supporting the NSPCC and their Helpline, to protect children and bring offenders to justice.
“I am committed to stamping out child sexual abuse, which is why we’ve also pledged to introduce mandatory reporting and set up a task force to clamp down on grooming gangs.”
Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at [email protected] or by calling 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk. People should always contact 999 if they suspect a child is in immediate danger.
Crime
Four young Pembrokeshire men arrested on suspicion of rape
DETECTIVES looking into a serious allegation of rape and sexual assault that took place in Saundersfoot on Saturday (May 11) have made arrests, The Herald can confirm.
Four males, aged 22, 21, 20 and 19 were arrested on suspicion of rape. They have now been released pending further enquiries.
A police spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald on Thursday (May 16): “Dyfed Powys is investigating an allegation of rape and sexual assault that took place in Saundersfoot on May 11. The victim is being supported by specialist officers.
“Four men, aged 22, 21, 20 and 19 have been arrested on suspicion of rape. All four have been released on conditional bail pending further police enquiries.
Crime
Father must stay out of trouble be jailed, says judge
A FATHER who attacked his then-girlfriend in a violent outburst has been sentenced to a suspended prison term, with the warning that any further trouble will result in jail time.
Christopher Bendall, 33, of Great Eastern Terrace, Neyland, must remain law-abiding for the next 18 months or serve a 12-month prison sentence for two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 6 August 2022, when Bendall returned home after a night out. His then-girlfriend, who had also been out separately, entered his unlocked home at approximately 4.20am. Upon waking Bendall, she questioned him about messages from another woman found on his phone. The confrontation escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical altercation.
Bendall threw a footstool and the victim’s mobile phone at her, both of which missed. He then pushed her to the floor, dragged her by her hair, slapped her face, and dragged her into the hallway. The victim managed to escape by grabbing Bendall by his testicles, causing him to release her grip. She fled the property, taking Bendall’s mobile phone with her.
Following the assault, Bendall called 999, accusing the woman of attacking him. Police initially arrested her but released her after noticing her injuries, which included carpet burns, bruises, and redness. Bendall was then arrested.
The court heard that this was not the first assault. In May, Bendall had thrown his mobile phone at the woman, breaking her finger.
Bendall initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty to the two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Three other charges, including controlling or coercive behaviour, assault by beating, and strangulation, were dropped, and not guilty verdicts were formally entered for these counts.
In her victim impact statement, the woman revealed that she had been seeing a counsellor and was on anxiety medication following the assaults. She expressed that she still struggled to feel normal and feared going out alone.
Bendall’s defence highlighted that he was a father of three, a successful solar electrician, and previously of clean character. They noted that he was a good father, very involved with his children, and had well-paid employment. It was also stated that he had abstained from alcohol and had no further incidents since August 2022.
Judge Mr Recorder D Elias KC took into account Bendall’s plea, a pre-sentence report, and two character references. He acknowledged the psychological harm caused to the victim and described the injuries from the second assault as ‘nasty.’
Bendall was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to attend a Building Better Relationships course, undertake ten days of rehabilitation activity, and complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £1,500 in court costs and a £156 victim surcharge within six months.
Crime
Man sentenced to 16 weeks for theft from Pembroke Dock Boots
RAJ DOMNU, a 27-year-old resident of Scunthorpe, has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for his involvement in the theft of items valued at £1,819.53 from Boots the Chemist in Pembroke Dock. The sentence was handed down at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on May 14
Domnu, residing at Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe, appeared in court via live link. The court heard that the theft, which occurred on 13th April 2024, involved a significant degree of planning and was carried out as part of a group. CCTV footage presented during the trial revealed Domnu’s leading role in the offence.
Initially convicted on April 22, Domnu’s case was reopened following an application under section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980. The original sentence imposed on May 13 was set aside, leading to the reimposition of the 16-week custodial sentence due to the serious nature of the offence.
In addition to the prison term, Domnu has been ordered to pay compensation to Boots the Chemist in the amount of £1,819.53. He is also required to pay a surcharge of £154 to fund victim services and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service. The total financial penalties amount to £2,058.53, which Mr. Domnu must pay by 1st July 2024.
Presiding over the case, Magistrates Mr. Roger James Mathias (Chairman), Mr. David Andrew Fawcett, and Mr. Max Shankland emphasised the severity of the crime, citing the premeditated targeting of high-value items and the organised nature of the theft. The court acknowledged Domnu’s guilty plea in determining the sentence.
Attending solicitor Mike Kelleher of Welch and Co represented Domnu during the proceedings. The court confirmed that the defendant is not currently in custody and no bail remand days were to be counted.
This case underscores the commitment of Dyfed Powys Police and the judiciary to address and penalise organised theft activities severely. The magistrates’ decision reflects the importance of deterring such crimes and ensuring justice for affected businesses.
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