DANIEL BATEMAN JAILED IN CARDIFF FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
A man from Bargoed, Daniel Bateman, aged 33, has been sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.His young victim was praised for her bravery in coming forward to police.
Bateman pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault that occurred in April of the previous year.
During today’s hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that the assault had a profound and lasting effect on the victim’s life.
The court heard she was prescribed medication afterward and had contemplated taking her own life.
Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett stated that Bateman told police officers he had been "smashed" at the time of the incident.
Defense lawyer James Evans argued that Bateman had an "no recollection" of the events, a claim disputed by the judge, who pointed out a written statement from Bateman earlier denying the charges.
Ultimately, Bateman pleaded guilty to the offences.
Judge Richard Williams told Bateman, "You continue to play down what you did, and there does not appear to be a reasonable prospect for rehabilitation." He added, "When an adult subjects a girl to this...
inevitably a custodial sentence must be passed." Bateman was sentenced to 19 months in prison.
Additionally, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order, effective for 10 years, and a restraining order for the same duration.
Following the sentencing, Gwent Police Detective Inspector Jamie Cooper praised the victim’s courage, saying, "I would like to commend the bravery of the victim who came forward to report Bateman to police.
It is because of her courage to speak out that Bateman is now behind bars.
I hope that this sentence imposed will help her and her family to move on and bring closure to this awful chapter in their lives." Inspector Cooper also emphasized the importance of support for other victims, stating, "I hope that this result sends a message to anyone else who has suffered, or is currently suffering abuse, that they can come forward and any allegations will be taken seriously.
I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to report such crimes, but I want to reassure anyone considering doing so that there is a range of support available from police and partner agencies to help through the process.
Gwent Police remain committed to protecting children and ensuring justice is served against perpetrators of child abuse."
