KELVIN EVANS FROM BRYNCIR NEAR PORTHMADOG FACES JAIL AFTER SEX OFFENCES FROM THE 1970S

In a case that has spanned decades, Kelvin Evans, a man residing in Bryncir near Porthmadog, was recently convicted of serious sexual offences committed in the 1970s. The allegations involve a young girl who was under the age of 12 at the time of the incidents. Despite the gravity of the accusations, Evans, aged 57, was spared immediate imprisonment and received a community order instead.

The case was brought to trial at Caernarfon Crown Court, where a jury of five men and seven women deliberated for over nine hours before reaching their verdicts. Evans faced four charges initially, including two counts of indecent assault, one of inciting a girl to commit an act of gross indecency, and a charge of rape. After the trial, he was found guilty of the first three charges but was acquitted of the rape allegation.

Throughout the proceedings, Evans maintained his innocence, denying all allegations and claiming they were false. The offences reportedly took place during the 1970s, a period when Evans was still a teenager. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, came forward in 2016, after which police arrested Evans. The victim had previously confronted Evans about the allegations approximately ten years ago but chose not to pursue the matter further at that time.

Prosecutor Sion ap Mihangel explained that the victim's recollections were triggered during a child care meeting, leading her to report the incidents to authorities. The police investigation followed, culminating in Evans's arrest. The court heard that the offences involved repeated acts that caused significant trauma to the victim. The jury's verdict was delivered after a thorough five-day trial, during which Evans showed no visible emotion as the foreman announced the guilty verdicts.

Sentencing was deferred to allow for the preparation of pre-sentence reports. Judge Huw Rees acknowledged Evans's previously good character, citing numerous character references submitted during the trial. However, the judge also highlighted the aggravating factors, including the victim's young age at the time of the offences, the repeated nature of the acts, and the lasting trauma inflicted.

Judge Rees stated, “You are a man of hitherto good character and at your trial many people took the time and effort to write about your character.” He further emphasized that the offences, committed in the 1970s, had a profound impact on the victim. Evans was granted bail under strict conditions, including residence at his home address, surrendering his passport, and cooperating with the Probation Service.

Evans is scheduled to be sentenced in mid-November, with the court indicating that imprisonment is likely given the seriousness of the offences. The case underscores the long-lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse and the importance of justice, even when allegations are made many years after the events occurred.