DEREK WIGGETT OF DEINIOLEN SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN GWYNEDD

In a case that has shocked the community of Deiniolen and the wider Gwynedd region, Derek Wiggett, a former Scout leader, was sentenced to six years in prison for the heinous abuse of two young boys spanning from 1976 to 1984. The proceedings took place at Mold Crown Court, where Wiggett, aged 72, was brought back from his retirement residence in France to face justice after his victims, now adults, courageously came forward to report their traumatic experiences to the authorities.

Prosecutor Kim Halsall detailed the disturbing nature of Wiggett’s misconduct, revealing that he would buy sweets for the boys, a tactic often used to gain their trust and lower their defenses. The victims, who were children at the time, described feeling humiliated and deeply embarrassed by the inappropriate acts committed against them. One of the men, who later suffered a mental breakdown, confided in his mother about the abuse. At that time, he was reluctant to involve the police, overwhelmed by feelings of anger and betrayal, and expressing how Wiggett’s actions had devastated his life and stolen his innocence.

The second victim also shared his story, revealing that he had confided in his wife about the abuse. However, he chose to delay making a formal complaint until after his mother’s death, fearing that revealing the truth would cause her pain. He described Wiggett’s betrayal as a profound breach of trust, especially considering the victim’s mother had trusted Wiggett as a responsible adult and community figure.

Wiggett, who previously worked as an architect for Gwynedd County Council and served as president of his local climbing club, admitted to engaging in unlawful sexual activities with the two boys when they were just six and seven years old. His admissions included unlawful sexual acts, attempted unlawful sex, indecent assault, and sexual activity with a child. The court heard that during the period of the offences, Wiggett was between 39 and 46 years old, while the victims were between six and eleven. Both men are now in their 30s, and the judge acknowledged that the abuse had significantly impacted their lives.

Judge Peter Heywood emphasized the gravity of the crimes, noting that Wiggett had groomed the boys, shown them films, and indecently touched them, with some acts amounting to rape under current legislation. The judge highlighted the vulnerability of the young victims, who had no understanding of what was happening to them at the time, and condemned Wiggett for betraying the trust placed in him by their families.

In his defense, Gordon Hennell acknowledged the seriousness of the offences and the aggravating circumstances, which would typically warrant a lengthy prison sentence in the double digits. However, he also pointed out Wiggett’s good character, his age, and the fact that no further incidents had occurred since the offences many years ago. Hennell expressed remorse on behalf of Wiggett, stating, “I am specifically instructed to apologise unreservedly to the two victims for his offences, for what he did and for the harm that he has done.”

Following the sentencing, Chief Inspector Peter Gaffey issued a statement condemning Wiggett’s actions, describing him as a sexual predator who exploited his position of trust to groom vulnerable children for sexual assault. Gaffey praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward and warned other potential offenders that law enforcement agencies, including North Wales Police, are committed to pursuing justice regardless of where offenders may attempt to hide, even abroad. The case serves as a stark reminder that no matter how long ago the crimes occurred or where the offender resides, justice will be pursued relentlessly.