Rapist’s 15 years of abusing girls
Victims had to re-live ordeals during trial
A LLANGENNECH man sexually abused and assaulted young girls over a period of more than 15 years, a court has heard.
A judge told Peter Anthony Lewis, of Tirgof, Llangennech, he had no doubt the 54-year-old was a dangerous offender who poses a significant risk to girls in the future.
A LLANGENNECH man sexually abused and assaulted young girls over a period of more than 15 years, a court has heard.
A judge told Peter Anthony Lewis he had no doubt the 54-year-old was a dangerous offender who poses a significant risk to girls in the future, and an extended sentence was necessary to protect the public from him.
Lewis subjected the youngsters to a catalogue of horrific attacks, including repeated rapes and sexual assaults.
Police have praised the courage of his victims in coming forward – and are urging anyone who has concerns about contact they or someone they know may have had with the defendant over the years to contact them.
Swansea Crown Court heard the abuse meted out by Lewis has had a profound effect on the girls’ emotional and psychological well-being.
Lewis, of Tirgof, Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, had previously been convicted at trial of 15 counts of rape of a child under 13, assault by penetration, sexual assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and making indecent images of children when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.
The not guilty pleas meant his victims had to go through the ordeal of re-living their abuse in court.
The court heard details of statements from the victims which described the impact of the abuse on them, including anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, lack of trust in people and, in the case of one girl, episodes of selfharm.
Judge Keith Thomas told the defendant he had no doubt he should be considered a dangerous offender, and that an extended sentence was necessary to protect the public.
Lewis was sentenced to a 27-year extended sentence consisting of 21 years in custody with a sixyear extended licence period.
The defendant can be considered for parole after he has served two-thirds of the 21-year custodial element, but it will be for the Parole Board to decided if he is fit to be released.
Lewis will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life, and he was also made the subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
Speaking after the sentencing, Dyfed-Powys Police detective chief inspector Gareth Roberts praised the courage of the victims in coming forward to report the abuse, and giving evidence at his trial.
He said: “The victims in this case have shown tremendous courage by supporting this investigation and giving evidence at court. “Without them, this predatory sexual offender would not have been brought to justice.
“Lewis did not accept responsibility and showed no remorse for his crimes.
“The investigating team has been tenacious in pursuing the truth and seeking justice for these brave girls. If anyone reading this has concerns surrounding contact they, or someone they know, has had with Lewis, I urge them to speak to us.”
He added: “We have specialist police officers who will be there to support anyone who reports sexual offences to us.”
An NSPCC spokesperson said after the case: “Lewis committed a series of appalling and grave offences against young children and over a prolonged period of time.
“The danger he has posed to children is reflected in the lengthy prison term he will now serve, which we hope will provide some closure to the survivors of the abuse.”
Can you help? Call DyfedPowys Police on 101 quoting crime reference DPP/0037/09/02 /2018/01/C