CARDIFF PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND CHILD PORN
A man named Mark Harrigan, aged 40 from Cardiff, committed a sexual assault on a young girl who did not disclose the abuse until she reached adulthood.During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Harrigan had molested the girl when she was approximately nine years old.
The victim later required therapy and experienced mental health issues as a result of the trauma.
Authorities also discovered that Harrigan possessed indecent images of children and extreme pornography.
Following the victim's report in 2021, police seized electronic devices, uncovering two images of a naked 14-year-old girl on a bed, and another of a similar age with his private parts exposed.
Additionally, images depicting bestiality were found.
Judge David Wynn Morgan commented on the case, noting the significant age gap between Harrigan and the victim, and describing the assault as an opportunistic act that caused her considerable distress later on.
Harrigan admitted to possessing indecent and extreme pornographic images and was convicted of sexual assault after a trial.
He previously received a caution in 2004 for possessing an offensive weapon.
Harrigan was sentenced to 28 months in prison and placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, with the judge highlighting the harm inflicted and the exploitation of a child's vulnerability.
