Paedophile jailed after sex assault on young girl
A PAEDOPHILE sexually assaulted a girl under the age of 13 years on two occasions, which left her feeling “uncomfortable, scared and worried”.
The offender initially denied the offences but admitted his guilt after forcing her to give evidence.
Alexander McDermot, 34, of Bridgend, initially put his hand on the victim’s bottom under her clothing before touching her private parts.
She later told police she was “frightened” by the incident but the defendant told her to keep quiet and not to tell anybody about what had happened.
A sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court on Thursday, February 15, heard McDermot later sat on the victim’s lap, straddled her, and moved himself backwards and forwards in a sexual way.
Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett said both of them were fully clothed at the time.
The victim later told a family member about the abuse and they notified the police.
The defendant was arrested and initially denied the offences.
As a result, the victim was questioned and cross-examined by barristers during a Section 28 hearing, which allows vulnerable witnesses to have their evidence recorded prior to a trial.
McDermot, of Tremgarth, Wildmill, later pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a child under 13 by touching.
The court heard he was of previous good character.
In a victim personal statement read to the court the child said: “I felt uncomfortable, scared and worried... I knew it was wrong.
“I was unhappy, anxious and wanted to go home. I was scared to tell him to get off me.
“I just wanted to get it out of my head and I was scared he would do it again. I was very upset and frightened.”
The victim said she was scared about going to court but was “happy” that the defendant had pleaded guilty.
She said: “He could do it to anyone else. I feel I have been listened to. He should think about what he’s done to me.”
In mitigation, Owen Williams said his client has learning difficulties such as “global developmental delay” which affected his cognitive function, interaction with others, and impulsivity.
The defence barrister said the defendant’s learning difficulties played a “pivotal role” in influencing his behaviour.
Judge Paul Hobson sentenced McDermot to three years’ imprisonment.
He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and sex offender registration notifications for life.