Man who sexually abused young girl jailed for six years
A 20-YEAR-OLD man who sexually abused a girl was found living in a shed, a court has heard.
Ethan Hopkins, from Bridgend, was found by police a week after the allegations were made.
Cardiff Crown Court yesterday heard the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told a family member she had been sexually assaulted on a number of occasions.
During the hearing, Byron Broadstock, prosecuting, said Hopkins absconded when he learned of the allegations made against him but was arrested seven days later.
He said: “He was located in a shed in which is seems he had been living for a week following the allegations.”
Despite denying the allegations – claiming to officers he was never alone with the child and had not touched her – Hopkins was charged with two counts of sexual touching of a child under 13, and one count of causing/ inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
After pleading guilty to all offences at magistrates’ court, Judge Jeremy Jenkins sentenced the defendant to six years’ imprisonment.
During the hearing, the court was told Hopkins was already serving a fiveyear sentence for arson with intent at a young offender institution.
He will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was also made subject of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Louise Buttle from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “I cannot praise the young victim in this case enough.
“Her courage and bravery in speaking out has helped ensure this predatory individual is now behind bars where he cannot harm any other innocent children.
“His offending will have a lasting impact on the child and her family, who have been left devastated by the abuse.
“I hope today’s sentencing brings them all some closure and allows them to begin rebuilding their lives. I also hope this sentencing encourages anyone else who may be suffering in silence to come forward.
“Our specialist unit will fully and sensitively investigate their case and I can assure them they will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
“There is a whole range of support available from us and our partner agencies to guide them through the whole process.”
Sexual abuse can be reported via 101, or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, help, advice and support can be sought from Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). Visit http://thesurvivorstrust. org/sarc/ or contact 02920 335795.