DUNCAN MORGAN FROM ABERCARN SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF UNDERAGE GIRLS IN NEWPORT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Abercarn and the surrounding areas, Duncan Alistair Morgan, aged 24, was found guilty of grooming and sexually abusing multiple underage girls. The offences, which spanned over a period beginning in February 2011, culminated in Morgan being sentenced to a total of six years and three months in prison at Newport Crown Court.

According to court proceedings, Morgan’s predatory behavior involved targeting young girls, exploiting their trust and vulnerability. Prosecutor Jeremy Jenkins detailed how Morgan, who was known to frequent Abercarn, used his age and apparent confidence to lure underage girls into dangerous situations. The investigation, which was initiated in June of the previous year, uncovered evidence that Morgan had been deliberately associating with much younger children, creating an environment where he could groom them for sexual exploitation.

Mr. Jenkins explained that Morgan’s manipulative tactics included following a girl to her upstairs bedroom at her home, where he forcibly kissed her and placed his hand down her trousers. Despite her protests, Morgan told her to forget what had happened and insisted that no one else needed to know about the incident. This pattern of coercion and abuse was repeated with other victims, with Morgan using different methods to gain their trust.

One girl was targeted through social media, where Morgan sent her flattering messages designed to flatter and manipulate her into feeling special. He then convinced her to engage in sexual activity with him over a car bonnet. After the act, Morgan attempted to apologize via a flurry of text messages, attempting to mitigate the situation or perhaps to continue his grooming behavior.

Another victim was approached in a public toilet, where Morgan sought to carry out a sexual act. The final girl, who had been drinking alcohol, awoke to find Morgan with his hand down her trousers, taking advantage of her intoxicated state. Throughout these incidents, Morgan exploited his age, relative independence, and perceived coolness to attract and manipulate these young girls.

When police arrested Morgan, he initially denied all but one of the allegations. He claimed that the girls were not truthful and denied knowing their ages in some cases. However, during the trial, Morgan, who resides on Bridge Street in Abercarn, changed his plea and admitted to five counts of sexual activity with a child, avoiding the need for the victims to testify in court.

His defense lawyer, Hugh Wallace, stated that Morgan’s guilty pleas spared the victims from reliving their trauma through testimony. Morgan also wrote a letter to Judge Daniel Williams, which was presented during sentencing.

Judge Williams described Morgan’s conduct as predatory and emphasized the lasting damage inflicted on the victims. He sentenced Morgan to six years and three months in prison, highlighting the severity of his actions and the breach of trust involved.

Following the sentencing, Gwent Police Detective Sergeant Sarah Goodchild expressed her satisfaction with the outcome. She commended the bravery of the victims who came forward and provided evidence, which ultimately led to Morgan’s conviction. She reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable for their crimes.