GARY THORLEY SHOCKINGLY ATTACKS TODDLER IN RHYL - CCTV REVEALS HORRIFIC INCIDENT

In October 2018, a disturbing incident involving a father from Rhyl came to light, revealing the extent of parental violence against a vulnerable two-year-old child. Gary Thorley, aged 52 and residing on Spruce Avenue in Rhyl, was caught on his own CCTV system assaulting his young son in a manner that has shocked the local community and prompted serious legal action.

Thorley had initially denied any responsibility when questioned by police, claiming that the medication he was taking at the time would prevent him from physically harming anyone. However, the evidence against him was irrefutable. When authorities presented him with footage from his own CCTV cameras, which clearly showed him approaching his son and violently kicking him from behind before pushing him over, Thorley made no further comment. The footage depicted the young child hitting his head on nearby play equipment after being pushed, an act that raised immediate concerns about the child's safety and well-being.

During a pre-trial hearing, Thorley pleaded guilty to a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a child under 16, acknowledging the assault. His legal representative, Mr. Simon Rogers, explained that Thorley claimed the incident was triggered by his concern that the boy had come into contact with cat faeces. Thorley and his partner had previously suffered the tragic loss of an unborn child, which they attributed to a virus contracted from cat faeces, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the case.

Judge Timothy Petts, presiding over the case, sentenced Thorley to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. In delivering his judgment, the judge expressed profound disappointment and emphasized the gravity of the father's actions. He stated, “You go outside and kick and smack and more or less send him flying. To say it is shocking is an understatement. Quite how a father could assault a two-year-old boy like that is almost incomprehensible. Fortunately, there’s no evidence of physical injury or psychological injury.”

Judge Petts further highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable children, noting that such behavior by a parent undermines the child's sense of security and trust. He added, “It’s not good for any child to not know whether their father will commit assaults against their vulnerable little child. The court is here to protect people who are vulnerable — especially when their father has failed in that responsibility.”

Social services were involved in the case, and despite the incident, Thorley continued to see his children, although he was living away from the family home. The incident was initially reported by another family member who later withdrew their statement. Nevertheless, police, having reviewed the CCTV footage, proceeded with Thorley's arrest. Prosecutor David Mainstone revealed that Thorley had an extensive criminal record, with 33 convictions spanning 69 offences, primarily related to theft. His past convictions also included assaulting a police officer, arson, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Despite repeated attempts by authorities to engage with Denbighshire social services during the investigation, there was a lack of response from the agency. As part of his sentence, Thorley is required to undergo at least 35 sessions of rehabilitation and must reside at his parents’ house until social services determine he is fit to return to his own home. The court will need to ratify any decision regarding his living arrangements, as stated by Judge Petts, emphasizing the ongoing supervision and assessment necessary to ensure the child's safety and well-being.