Judge praises child sex abuse victim’s bravery for talking

A JUDGE has commended a child for her bravery after she told her mum that she had been sexually abused.

Judge Nicola Jones said that, as a result of her actions, the child “no doubt has protected other females and children” from her abuser, Gareth Rhys Williams.

The 38-year-old, of Stanley Terrace, Holyhead, had also sexually assaulted another girl and a woman some years before.

Williams, who pleaded guilty to the offences, also admitted assaulting a woman causing actual bodily harm, affray and threats to kill. He was jailed at Caernarfon Crown Court for a total of nine years, with an extended licence period of five years once he is released. “Thankfully, what brought an end to this campaign of sexual abuse of women and children is the fact your youngest victim disclosed what you had done to her,” Judge Jones said.

“That was incredibly brave of someone so young to do and I have no doubt she has protected other females and children from you.

“She is to be greatly commended for that.”

Prosecutor Sion ap Mihangel said Williams gave one of his victims, who was under the age of 13, a sleeping tablet before touching her on two occasions.

Williams will serve two thirds of the sentence in prison, before the parole board considers whether it’s safe to release him.