CHRISTOPHER CRONIN FROM CAERPHILLY JAILED FOR DECADES-OLD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has spanned over three decades, a pensioner from Caerphilly has been sentenced to a significant prison term after being convicted of multiple historic sexual offences. Christopher Cronin, aged 71 and residing on Second Avenue in the Trecenydd area of Caerphilly, was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. The verdict was reached after the jury deliberated for nearly four hours, ultimately returning a majority decision of 11 to 1 in favor of guilt.

During the proceedings, Cronin maintained his innocence, denying all allegations of sexual misconduct. His defense counsel, Jeffrey Jones, highlighted the pensioner’s health issues, which he argued should be taken into account. Despite this, Judge William Gaskell made it clear that the court was prepared to impose a custodial sentence, emphasizing that the defendant should not be misled into believing that bail implied immunity from imprisonment.

The offences in question were committed during the early 1980s, a period when the victim was between 10 and 14 years old. The charges included instances of sexual touching, as well as more serious acts involving physical restraint. Specifically, Cronin was convicted of holding the young girl down on a sofa and pressing her against a wall, acts which the court described as particularly forceful and frightening.

Judge Gaskell detailed the impact of Cronin’s actions, noting that the victim had described feeling overpowered and terrified during the assaults. The judge recounted her testimony, where she told Cronin to stop because he was hurting her, but he continued his abusive behavior. The court also noted that Cronin warned her that no one would believe her if she told anyone about what had happened, an attempt to silence her and conceal his misconduct.

In his summation, Judge Gaskell criticized Cronin for failing to recognize or acknowledge the harm caused by his actions. He suggested that the defendant’s refusal to accept responsibility was driven by a desire to protect his reputation within his family and social circle.

Regarding sentencing, Cronin received a one-year term for each of the four counts of indecent assault, with all four sentences to run concurrently. For the two more serious charges involving physical restraint, he was sentenced to 21 months for each offence, also to be served concurrently with the other sentences. The overall sentence was structured so that all terms would run simultaneously, resulting in a total imprisonment period of 21 months.

Earlier in January 2014, Cronin faced similar allegations, and the case was adjourned to allow for further reports before sentencing. The court made it clear that the bail granted to Cronin did not imply immunity from a custodial sentence, and he was warned to prepare for the possibility of imprisonment. The offences, which took place during the 1980s, had only recently come to light, leading to the current legal proceedings and eventual conviction.