DARREN BEVAN FROM CEFN HENGOED SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN CAERPHILLY

In a case that has shocked the community of Cefn Hengoed and the wider Caerphilly area, Darren Bevan, a 23-year-old man residing on Lansbury Avenue in Cefn Hengoed, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence following his conviction for multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl under the age of 13.

Bevan was brought before Cardiff Crown Court in April 2016, where he faced a total of eleven charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. These charges included four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, five counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of inciting or causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and an additional count of assault involving penetration of a child under 13.

Despite his denial of the allegations, the jury at his trial last month found him guilty on all eleven counts through a unanimous verdict. The charges stem from incidents involving a girl who was under the age of 13 at the time of the offenses.

During the court proceedings, a victim impact statement was read aloud, in which the mother of the young girl expressed her anguish and devastation. She stated, “Darren Bevan has shattered our lives to bits,” emphasizing the profound emotional and psychological damage inflicted upon her daughter. She further described her feelings of sickness and heartbreak, asserting that her daughter should have been protected from what she called the “evil monster.”

Judge Eleri Rees, the recorder of Cardiff, delivered the sentence, which included a term of 19 years in total. This comprised 15 years of imprisonment, followed by an extended license period of four years. The judge highlighted her concern that Bevan posed a significant risk of causing further harm to the public, citing the potential for additional offending of this nature.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Rees referenced a pre-sentence report that raised serious concerns about Bevan’s personality traits and behavioral tendencies. The report pointed out issues such as his difficulty controlling anger and an “uncontrollable” personality, particularly regarding sexual harm towards children. The judge described Bevan’s attitude as exhibiting “controlling, grooming, and predatory behavior” towards the victim, noting that he appeared to have attempted to manipulate and control her during the abuse.

As part of his sentence, Bevan was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and will be required to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at protecting the community from further offenses.