Girl, seven, groomed by 54-year-old before abuse
A MAN groomed a sevenyear-old girl with sweets and trips in his convertible car before sexually assaulting her.
A judge said he was satisfied David Charles Eley posed a serious risk to the public as he jailed him for nine years. Eley denied two charges of sexual assault against a girl under 13 but was convicted following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.
The court heard the 54-year-old would give gifts of sweets, clothes and money, and take her for rides in his car – actions judge Keith Thomas called “classic grooming behaviour”. Eley then performed sex acts on the girl at locations in Port Talbot.
Eley, of Ffordd y Chwarel, Kenfig Hill, was sentenced to nine years in prison, and was made the subject of a six-year licence period once he is released.
He will be on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life, and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will indefinitely limit his contact with girls aged under 16.
Police welcomed the jailing of Eley – and praised the courage of the victim in coming forward and giving vital evidence.
South Wales Police detective constable Joanne Pudner, from the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot public protection team, said: “Despite the serious sexual assaults – and her age – the victim had the strength and courage to support the police prosecution and gave vital evidence of her harrowing and traumatic experience.
“The victim was supported throughout by specialist officers who continue to work tirelessly for victims of sexual offences and target and pursue individuals who exploit the most vulnerable persons within our society.”
An NSPCC Cymru spokesman said: “Eley groomed a vulnerable teenager for his own twisted pleasure and it’s right that he’s now behind bars. Child sexual abuse causes long-lasting harm and it is vital that the victim in this case receives all appropriate support. Her bravery in reliving her ordeal highlights how important it is for every child to recognise abuse and have the confidence to speak out.”