IVOR SHEPPARD FROM LLANIDLOES PLEADS GUILTY TO HISTORIC SEX OFFENCES IN POWYS

In a significant development at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, Ivor John Sheppard, a 75-year-old resident of Old Hall Legar near Llanidloes, has admitted to committing a series of historic sexual offences. The court proceedings took place on Friday, July 21, and marked a crucial step in addressing allegations that span several decades.

Sheppard faced a total of thirteen charges, with seven of these being admitted to by him. The earliest of these offences dates back to 1962, when Sheppard was still a teenager, highlighting the long-standing nature of the allegations. The court was informed that Sheppard denied six other charges, which are now to be formally recorded on file, indicating that these are yet to be proven or admitted.

The offences Sheppard pleaded guilty to include five counts of indecent assault, all of which occurred between March 31, 1986, and April 1, 1995. These incidents are alleged to have involved victims subjected to inappropriate acts over nearly a decade. Additionally, Sheppard admitted to a separate charge of indecent assault on a male, which took place between January 21, 1962, and July 20, 1965. A seventh guilty plea was related to an offence of indecency with a child, occurring within the same timeframe, from January 21, 1962, to July 20, 1966.

Meanwhile, the charges for which Sheppard entered not guilty pleas involve allegations of indecent assault spanning from 1965 to 2004. These remain unresolved and are scheduled for further proceedings. The court has set a date for sentencing, which is scheduled to take place on September 8 at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

As the legal process continues, the case underscores the importance of addressing historical abuse allegations and seeking justice for victims who endured these offences over many years. The community in Llanidloes and the wider Powys area will be watching closely as the case moves toward its final resolution.