ERNEST BUCHANAN FROM MAGOR EAST SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR STRING OF SEXUAL OFFENCES

In a significant case heard at Newport Crown Court, 66-year-old Ernest Buchanan, a resident of Withy Close in Magor East, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 20 years for a series of heinous sexual offenses. The court was informed that Buchanan had been grooming his victims over a period spanning back to the 1980s, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that persisted for decades.

During the trial, Buchanan faced charges of 11 counts of indecent assault, three counts of attempted rape, and six counts of rape. Despite his denial of all charges, the jury found him guilty on all counts. The sentencing hearing took place in front of a packed courtroom, including members of the public who had come to witness the proceedings.

Judge David Morris addressed the court and the assembled spectators, providing a detailed account of Buchanan’s escalating pattern of sexual misconduct. The judge revealed that Buchanan’s first known victim was assaulted when she was under the age of 12, highlighting the long-term impact of his actions. Judge Morris emphasized that Buchanan had effectively groomed his young victims, manipulating them into accepting his abusive conduct as normal behavior.

One particularly chilling detail was the threat Buchanan made to one victim, warning her that he would burn her house down if she refused his advances. The court heard that each of the victims expressed fear of Buchanan, underscoring the coercive and intimidating nature of his crimes. The judge described one incident where Buchanan subjected a fourth victim to a “particularly brutal and humiliating act” while intoxicated, and noted that he had raped this same victim twice.

Judge Morris characterized Buchanan’s offending as a “campaign of sexual assault,” illustrating the systematic and prolonged nature of his abuse. The defense, represented by Mary Parry-Evans, requested leniency, citing Buchanan’s age and poor health. She pointed out that he suffers from a gastric condition, diabetes, mobility issues, has experienced heart disease, and is awaiting tests for cancer. Despite these mitigating factors, the judge emphasized the need for a strong sentence to serve as a deterrent to others with similar predatory tendencies.

Expressing his disapproval, Judge Morris stated that Buchanan had shown no remorse for his actions. The court sentenced him to concurrent terms, with the longest being 20 years in prison. Additionally, Buchanan will be required to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.