Western Mail

Child rapist sent to jail for 20 years

- Jack Pitts newsdesk@walesonlin­e.co.uk

ACHILD rapist has been locked up for 20 years for a horrifying string of sexual crimes.

Kevin John Turner, from Swansea, subjected the girl to the torment over a four-year period.

His catalogue of crimes includes eight counts of rape, three counts of sexual activity with a child, four counts of sexual assault, and possession of indecent images of a child.

The 53-year-old denied the charges but was found guilty on all counts after a five-day trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Turner, now of Felindre, Swansea, abused the girl when he lived in Ceredigion.

Judge Geraint Walters sentenced Turner to 20 years behind bars and ordered him to serve a minimum of 13 years and six months.

He will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Detective Inspector Richard Yelland said: “Dyfed-Powys Police welcomes the lengthy sentence handed down in this case. The harm caused to victims of sexual abuse lasts far beyond the incident.

“The sentencing recognises the lifetime of psychologi­cal harm caused to Mr Turner’s victim.

“This was a lengthy and difficult investigat­ion for detectives based in Ceredigion, but their determinat­ion ensured we provided the courts with a strong evidence package that allowed justice to be served on behalf of the victim.

“I hope this outcome will give anyone else who has, or is, suffering similar abuse the courage to come forward and report it to police.

“You can report it by calling 101 and specially trained officers would be able to offer support and investigat­e the crime.”

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