LEE FELTON FROM GLYNNEATH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN CARMARTHENSHIRE

In August 2021, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse came to light involving Lee Felton, a resident of Glynneath, who targeted a young girl in a quiet street in Carmarthenshire. The court heard that Felton, driven by a desire for sexual gratification, subjected the seven-year-old girl to inappropriate acts. The assault occurred in a secluded area, where Felton touched the girl beneath her clothing and also made contact with her crotch over her clothes. After the incident, he warned the young victim not to disclose what had happened, attempting to silence her from revealing the abuse.

Despite Felton’s warnings, the brave girl confided in her mother, which led to the matter being reported to the police. The case took a serious turn when Felton denied any wrongdoing, forcing the young girl to undergo a trial to establish the truth. The court proceedings revealed that Felton had a prior conviction for two counts of sexual assault involving a girl under 13, related to a single incident in the same area. During that earlier incident, Felton had touched the girl under her top and also made contact with her crotch over her clothes, then told her not to tell anyone about what had happened.

In a heartfelt impact statement read aloud by prosecutor Nicola Powell, the victim’s mother described the profound effect the abuse had on her daughter. Once a bright, confident, and cheerful child, she had become reserved, clingy, and easily upset. The family decided to move away from the area where the abuse took place, hoping that a change of environment would help their daughter recover and move forward with her life.

Lee Michael Felton, aged 40, of Ynys Las Crescent, Glynneath, Neath, appeared in Swansea Crown Court for sentencing. The judge, His Honour Judge Paul Thomas QC, addressed Felton directly, describing him as a paedophile who had exploited the young girl “in order to get sexual thrills – it is as stark as that.” The judge emphasized that the experience must have been bewildering and frightening for the victim and warned that it could have long-lasting repercussions.

Judge Thomas also criticized Felton for choosing to deny the allegations and for brazenly refusing to admit his guilt during the trial, thereby forcing the young girl to relive her trauma through testimony and cross-examination. The judge remarked that although Felton had the right to defend himself, his decision to do so in such a manner “does you no credit as a man.”

As a result of his actions, Felton was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. He is expected to serve up to half of that time behind bars before being released on licence, after which he will serve the remainder of his sentence in the community. Additionally, Felton will be registered as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, restricting his contact with young girls to prevent further harm.