COUPLE RAPED AND SEXUALLY ABUSED YOUNG CHILD REPEATEDLY
A couple described as 'monstrous' sexually abused a young girl despite her protests and tears.They convinced her that their actions were 'normal' and continued to exploit her repeatedly.
David and Kim Crapper, from Barry, committed acts that were deemed extremely depraved in their treatment of the unnamed child victim.
The criminal acts came to light after the victim confided in a friend about the couple's conduct, leading to their arrest.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge David Wynn Morgan remarked, 'It’s difficult to conceive of a more monstrous offence.' The court heard that the abuse started when the girl was very young and persisted over several years.
In police interviews, the victim recounted that when she told David Crapper, aged 38, 'no,' he became angry, accused her of 'leading him on,' and warned her that he could be imprisoned.
He then had her sit on his lap, and she observed him becoming aroused while cuddling her.
The police report also states that he touched himself and later made her touch him, in addition to showing her pornography.
Expressing her feelings, the girl said, "I was confused by what he was saying and felt disgusted." The abuse worsened over time, culminating in David Crapper raping her multiple times.
He later disclosed the abuse to his wife, who then expressed a desire to join in.
Kim Crapper, aged 39, participated by touching the victim and was present during the rapes.
She also engaged in sexual acts with her husband while the girl was present.
Both Crapper individuals were detained following the victim’s report.
David Crapper admitted to both raping and sexually abusing her, while Kim Crapper confessed to abusing her, too.
The pair, residents of Queen Street, pleaded guilty to charges including sexual assault of a child under 13, causing or inciting sexual activity, and engaging in sexual acts in a child's presence.
David Crapper’s plea also included rape and causing her to witness a sexual act.
Legal representatives for David Crapper said there was little to mitigate his actions; he had confessed and had a role in preventing the victim from testifying.
His lawyer noted that he had developed distorted thinking patterns and might have continued abusing her had it not been for the police intervention.
Kim Crapper’s solicitor explained she was in a controlling and abusive relationship, feeling powerless and manipulated by her husband into participating.
It was acknowledged that the victim would likely never recover from the trauma inflicted.
Judge Wynn Morgan described the physical harm inflicted as 'incalculable' and criticized both defendants for their lack of genuine remorse.
He sentenced David Crapper to 17 years in prison with an additional four years on extended licence.
Kim Crapper was sentenced to six years with a three-year extended licence.
Both will serve approximately two-thirds of their sentences before parole consideration.
They were also ordered to adhere to sex offender notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely.
