ANDREW HIGGS OF PENGAM, BLACKWOOD, SENTENCED FOR CAUSING GIRL'S PREGNANCY
In May 2021, Andrew Higgs, a 43-year-old mechanic from Meadow Close, Pengam, near Blackwood, was sentenced to over six years in prison for grooming and engaging in illegal sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl during the 1990s, which resulted in her becoming pregnant.The court heard that the unborn child faced health complications, and the victim was advised to terminate the pregnancy.
Higgs had previously admitted to the authorities that he committed the offence, but no action was taken at the time.
Recorder Mark Powell QC addressed Higgs directly, stating, “It is a source of considerable mystery and concern that neither the police nor social services took any action.
You admitted the offence but nobody did anything about it.” He further condemned Higgs, saying, “You groomed this 13-year-old girl and I have heard moving testimony from the complainant by her victim personal statement.
You took advantage of her age.
You knew full well how old she was.” The case was brought to light after the victim reported her abuse to police, inspired by a storyline about grooming on the soap opera Coronation Street.
Prosecutor Laurence Jones explained that Higgs had bought the girl gifts, cigarettes, and alcohol, and that she told police she felt haunted by what he did to her and that he had groomed her.
The victim shared her emotional impact during the court proceedings, saying: “I feel totally lost as if I have lost my identity.
I have nightmares which make me scream and cry.
The majority of the time I struggle to sleep at all.
I will have to live with this heartbreak for the rest of my life.
I feel robbed of my innocence and childhood.” Higgs was sentenced to six years and six months in prison, composed of a five-year-six-month custodial sentence plus a 12-month extended license period after release.
Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for life.
Higgs pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful sexual intercourse and indecency with a child.
