KEVIN HOWELLS, CHILD RAPIST FROM TREHARRIS AND PAIGNTON, SENTENCED IN MERTHYR TYDFIL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Treharris and Paignton, Kevin John Howells, aged 33, was convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of a young girl. The case was heard at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, where the details of Howells' criminal activities were laid bare, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years.

Howells, who resided on Thomas Street in Treharris, was found guilty of 25 separate offences. These included 13 counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and four charges related to the making of indecent photographs of a child. Additionally, he admitted to an indecent assault on another young girl under the age of 16. The severity and breadth of his crimes prompted the court to impose a substantial sentence.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his crimes, with the court also ordering an indeterminate sentence for offences of rape and indecent assault committed after legislative changes came into effect on April 4 of the same year. Judge John Curran, presiding over the case, described the case as one of the most egregious he had encountered, emphasizing the gravity of Howells' actions. The judge also noted that Howells would be eligible for parole at the discretion of the Secretary of State, following a review of his case.

The court heard that Howells, who was living in Treharris at the time of his arrest earlier this year, had verbally abused his primary victim, instilling fear and silence in her. He admitted to having sexual relations with her, claiming that she had wanted the abuse to stop but that it continued despite her wishes. The court was told that the victim was too frightened to disclose her ordeal earlier, highlighting the manipulative and coercive nature of Howells' conduct.

During the proceedings, the defense attorney, Thomas Crowther, acknowledged the gravity of the crimes, stating, “What has been done in this case is unforgivable, many will regard it as inhuman, many will wonder if he is redeemable at all. Given it has happened, all he can do is express his remorse.”

Judge Curran condemned Howells' actions, describing them as a dreadful abuse of trust and innocence. He stated, “You abused her in a dreadful way. You indulged yourself in just about every sordid way there could be by subjecting this girl to every kind of indignity she could be subjected to.”

As part of the court's ruling, Howells was permanently barred from working with children and will remain on license for a minimum of ten years to ensure public safety. The judge also ordered that all equipment and indecent images produced by Howells be destroyed, emphasizing the court’s commitment to preventing further harm and punishing the offender for his egregious violations.