DALE WIEGOLD FROM HEOL ANEURIN AND PENYRHEOL CAERPHILLY SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES

In a recent and highly disturbing case, Dale Wiegold, a man originally from Heol Aneurin and now residing in Penyrheol, Caerphilly, was subjected to a severe judicial verdict after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving minors. The case, which unfolded at Cardiff Crown Court, drew significant attention due to the gravity of the crimes and the defendant's criminal history.

Judge Stephen Hopkins QC delivered a stern and unequivocal condemnation of Wiegold, describing him as an "evil, wicked man" during the sentencing hearing. The judge emphasized that Wiegold’s criminal activities came to light after one of his young victims confided in her mother while watching a Crimewatch programme. This revelation prompted a police investigation that eventually uncovered the full extent of Wiegold’s misconduct.

According to court records, Wiegold, aged 39 at the time, was convicted of three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and three counts of sexual activity with a child. The trial, which took place earlier in the year, revealed the disturbing details of his abuse. One of the victims, described as a girl who was watching Crimewatch, was prompted by her mother to disclose if anything had ever happened to her. Being a truthful and honest girl, she revealed the abuse she had suffered at Wiegold’s hands.

Following her disclosure, police initiated an investigation, which expanded after contact was made with the mother of a second victim. As a result, a comprehensive picture of Wiegold’s offending emerged, exposing a pattern of predatory behavior. Despite the evidence, Wiegold maintained a disturbing lack of remorse or empathy for his victims, with Judge Hopkins noting that he appeared either unwilling or unable to accept responsibility for his actions.

Wiegold’s criminal record was also discussed during the proceedings. He has a history of 12 previous convictions spanning 16 offences, including violence and public disorder, but notably, none of these prior convictions involved sexual offences. His criminal background underscored a pattern of antisocial behavior, although the current charges marked a new and more serious chapter.

During the sentencing, Wiegold’s legal representative, Matthew Roberts, acknowledged that these were his first convictions related to sexual misconduct and accepted that custody was inevitable. The judge sentenced him to a total of six years in prison. Additionally, Wiegold was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was disqualified from working with children, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the potential risk he posed to society.

Earlier in April 2013, Wiegold faced similar allegations but was only convicted of sexual offences, having been cleared of child rape charges. He had denied 14 counts of abuse, including two counts of rape, against two girls under the age of 16. The jury, after deliberating for over three hours, found him guilty of six charges, including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, and inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. However, he was acquitted of the rape charges and other related allegations.

Judge Hopkins reiterated the seriousness of Wiegold’s offences, stating that he would need to be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life and would be barred from working with children. The judge warned that his crimes were so severe that a long prison sentence was expected in the future. Wiegold was remanded in custody and was scheduled for sentencing on May 10.

During the proceedings, one of the victims, a young girl, was permitted to address Wiegold directly. She tearfully urged him to tell the truth, asserting her certainty that he had committed the crimes. Her emotional plea underscored the profound impact of his actions on her life.

The court also heard that Wiegold’s criminal history extended back to 1985, with 12 convictions for 16 offences, including criminal damage, threatening behavior, and grievous bodily harm. Despite this extensive record, none of these previous convictions involved sexual offences. There were also past investigations into allegations of rape and a sex attack on another young person, but these did not result in prosecutions. The case was further complicated by the fact that Wiegold was once defended by a girl he was accused of abusing, adding a layer of personal and legal complexity to the proceedings.