CHRISTIAN HOWELLS, 47, JAILED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS AFTER DRUGGING THEM
A man named Christian Howells, aged 47 and from Mountain Ash, was convicted of sexually assaulting two young girls after forcing them to consume alcohol and cannabis.The victims, both under 15 at the time, trusted Howells but he exploited that trust for his own sexual pleasure.
The victims reported feeling anxious and depressed following the incidents.
During the trial at Cardiff Crown Court, prosecutor Clare Wilks explained that Howells gave the girls cannabis and alcohol, which made them feel drowsy and easier to manipulate.
The assaults occurred at Howells' home, where he touched the victims' intimate areas with his hands and mouth.
Evidence also indicated grooming, with Howells providing money and gifts to the girls.
The court heard victim impact statements in which the girls described the lasting effects of their abuse.
One victim stated, "What happened had a real impact on me and I now suffer with anxiety and panic attacks...
I trusted him but now I am nervous around people I should be able to trust.
I have isolated myself from friends and family and I only leave the house to go to school." The second victim added, "Since the incident [Howells] has been in my head and I’m all over the place...
[I felt] scared and upset.
Now I have to speak about my emotions and sleep has been difficult.
I wake early and find it hard to fall back asleep, and I think more about what happened." Howells, who resides in Fernhill, was convicted of multiple charges: sexual assault of a child under 13, sexual assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and two counts of sexual activity with a minor.
Although he had no previous sexual convictions, he had a record related to dishonesty.
Defense lawyer Hilary Roberts acknowledged Howells’s awareness of a possible lengthy prison term but emphasized his lack of relevant offenses and the fact that he led a seemingly normal life with a partner and family.
She also mentioned his struggles with mental health and amphetamine use following a relationship breakdown.
Chief Judge Richard Williams sentenced Howells to an extended prison term of 16 years, with a minimum of two-thirds (around 10 years and 8 months) to be served in custody.
Additionally, Howells will spend four years on licence after release.
He was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order.
