DENNIS HARPER FROM NEWTOWN SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR HISTORIC CHILD SEX ABUSE IN MOLD

In a case that has spanned several years and involved multiple victims, Dennis Michael Alexander Harper, aged 44 and residing on Park Street in Newtown, has been sentenced to a six-year prison term at Mold Crown Court. The sentencing took place last Friday, following a detailed three-day trial that uncovered disturbing allegations of sexual abuse against three young boys spanning the 1990s.

Harper was found guilty of 15 counts of indecent assault and gross indecency, charges that stemmed from incidents involving the victims when they were as young as six and up to 16 years old. The court heard that these offences occurred over a period of approximately ten years, during which the victims endured significant trauma. Despite denying all charges, Harper was convicted by a jury after the evidence was presented and scrutinized.

As part of his sentencing, Harper was placed on the sex offenders register for life and was issued a lifetime sexual offences prevention order. Under this order, he is prohibited from approaching or remaining unsupervised with any boys under the age of 16. Additionally, Harper has been instructed not to communicate with his victims through social media or any other means, in an effort to prevent further contact or harassment.

The judge presiding over the case, Rhys Rowlands, praised the bravery of the victims for coming forward and providing evidence against Harper. During the sentencing, Judge Rowlands stated, “Following trial last month, you were convicted by the jury of 13 counts of indecent assault and two charges of indecency with a child.”

He emphasized that the offences were committed over a decade, during which the victims were very young boys, and highlighted Harper’s apparent lack of remorse. The judge pointed out that Harper’s criminal history included an earlier conviction at age 13 for indecency with a three-year-old boy, and another conviction in 2000 for an offence involving a 13-year-old boy. “These offences are far from being out of character,” Judge Rowlands remarked, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior.

He also addressed the significant delay in bringing the case to court, noting that Harper had managed to evade justice for many years, during which the victims had to live with the trauma inflicted upon them. The judge remarked, “The other side of that is that you got away with it for many years while the victims had to live with what you did to them.”

Prosecutor Sion ap Mihangel presented a victim impact statement from one of the complainants, revealing the profound psychological effects of Harper’s abuse. The victim suffers from chronic depression, trust issues, panic attacks, and anxiety, illustrating the lasting damage caused by Harper’s actions.

Harper’s defense attorney, Andrew Green, acknowledged that custody was inevitable given the severity of the charges. Green described Harper’s life over the past 14 years as “quiet and ordered,” with character references supporting his claim of leading a stable life. He highlighted Harper’s relationship with his partner, with whom he plans to marry, and noted that this stability had helped Harper come to terms with his own sexuality and confront a difficult childhood.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson confirmed the details of the case, stating, “On Friday August 8, Dennis Michael Alexander Harper, 44 years old, from Newtown was sentenced to six years imprisonment at Mold Crown Court. This followed a three-day trial concerning historic allegations of sexual abuse against three males aged from six to 16 years old. He was convicted of 15 counts of indecent assault and gross indecency. This was a thorough investigation, which led the CPS to prosecute this individual.”