LYNDON LEWIS FROM BLAENAVON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN GWENT

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Blaenavon, Lyndon Lewis, a man with a history of working within the police vetting system and serving as a warden at St Peter's Church, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual assaults committed against three young boys. The gravity of his crimes and the betrayal of trust have left a lasting scar on his victims and the wider community alike.

One of the victims, now in his twenties, recounted the devastating impact Lewis's actions had on his life. He described how the abuse, which took place during the 1990s, nearly destroyed him and his family. He vividly recalled the confusion and fear he experienced at the time, stating, "Lewis put my family and me through hell and almost destroyed my life. When it was happening, I couldn’t tell if it was real or if I was dreaming." The victim further characterized Lewis as a "Jekyll and Hyde" figure—someone who could appear kind and generous on the surface but harbored a dark, evil streak beneath.

During the trial, the defense attempted to paint Lewis as a respectable member of society, highlighting his exemplary work record and his involvement in community activities. His defense barrister, Ron Christie, emphasized that Lewis had been a pillar of the community, noting his roles as a town clerk and his voluntary work with the church. Despite these claims, the jury found Lewis guilty of 22 separate offences committed over a span of more than two decades, from 1987 to June of the previous year.

The charges included six serious sexual offences, 15 counts of indecent assault, and one charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The crimes came to light publicly last year when Lewis, reportedly intoxicated, followed a young boy into a lavatory at a pub in Blaenavon and made an obscene request. This incident prompted further investigation, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

Judge Christopher Llewellyn-Jones, QC, did not hold back in his sentencing remarks, describing Lewis as "evil, corrupting and disgusting." The judge also criticized Lewis’s attempt to present himself as respectable, stating, "You ingratiated yourself with a veneer of respectability." The court heard that Lewis, a former Bermuda police officer and magistrates court worker, had used his position to gain the trust of his victims and the community.

One of the victims expressed relief and a sense of justice being served, saying, "I feel justice has prevailed and it’s put my faith back in the system. I am pleased that the jury and the judge recognized the severity of what he did." The victim also extended gratitude to the legal team involved, including Detective Constable Roger Moore and prosecuting barrister Tom Crowther, for their efforts in bringing Lewis to justice.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the victim shared that he is now trying to move forward with his life, saying, "I’m just glad it’s all over and Lewis got what he deserved. I’m a lot happier now that it’s over and I’m trying to put it all behind me, pick up the pieces and just get on with my life." The case has not only highlighted the dangers posed by those who hide behind a facade of respectability but also reinforced the importance of vigilance and justice for victims of abuse in Blaenavon and beyond.