WREXHAM SEX OFFENDER MARTIN EDWARDS SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR PREDATORY CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
| Red Rose Database
Wrexham Rapist
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Wrexham, Martin Wyn Edwards, aged 45, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 16 years after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offences spanning over a decade. The court proceedings, held at Mold Crown Court, revealed the disturbing extent of Edwards' predatory behavior, which targeted multiple young victims over a period of 13 years.
Edwards, who resides in Pont yr Afon, Penycae, Wrexham, was accused of a litany of serious charges, including 21 counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, attempted rape, rape, and witness intimidation. Despite his vehement denial of the allegations, a jury composed of 10 men and two women unanimously convicted him of 20 of these charges. The court's verdict marked a significant victory for justice and the victims involved.
Following his conviction, Edwards was sentenced to serve a minimum of 16 years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his future interactions. Judge Niclas Parry also imposed an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which prohibits Edwards from having any contact with individuals under the age of 18 unless such contact is supervised. This order aims to prevent any potential reoffending and protect the community from further harm.
The judge described Edwards as a “predatory” and “controlling” individual who demonstrated a blatant disregard for the well-being of his victims. The court heard that Edwards had carried out these sexual attacks over a 13-year period, often for his own sexual gratification. The nature of his crimes was particularly disturbing, as he had used alcohol to manipulate some victims and had resorted to violence on at least one occasion. Notably, he did not use any form of protection during these assaults.
Throughout the trial and sentencing, Edwards maintained his innocence, showing no visible emotion when the verdict was delivered. He claimed he was not responsible for the crimes he was convicted of, despite overwhelming evidence against him. The judge condemned his actions and highlighted the cruelty of his behavior, which caused lasting trauma to his victims. Edwards' refusal to accept responsibility added to the court's view of his character as manipulative and unrepentant.
In court, the prosecution, led by Mark Connor, referenced Edwards' previous convictions for unlawful sexual intercourse in the 1980s and indecent exposure in 1990, illustrating a pattern of concerning behavior. Defense barrister Jonathan Duffy argued that his client maintained his innocence and pointed out that there was no gratuitous violence involved in the crimes, a factor often associated with such cases.
Following the sentencing, police officials expressed their relief and satisfaction with the outcome. Detective Constable David James, the lead investigator, praised the courage of the victims, stating, “This is an excellent result which we hope will go some way towards assisting the victims in putting this awful time in their life behind them. If it hadn’t been for their courage, this would not have been possible.”
Detective Sergeant Arwyn Jones, who oversees the Sexual Offences Team, emphasized the importance of the case in encouraging other victims to come forward. “This result should encourage other victims to come forward with the confidence that North Wales Police is dedicated to bringing offenders of such crimes to justice,” he said. The case has underscored the commitment of law enforcement agencies in Wrexham and the wider North Wales area to combat sexual crimes and protect vulnerable individuals from predatory offenders.
Edwards, who resides in Pont yr Afon, Penycae, Wrexham, was accused of a litany of serious charges, including 21 counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, attempted rape, rape, and witness intimidation. Despite his vehement denial of the allegations, a jury composed of 10 men and two women unanimously convicted him of 20 of these charges. The court's verdict marked a significant victory for justice and the victims involved.
Following his conviction, Edwards was sentenced to serve a minimum of 16 years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his future interactions. Judge Niclas Parry also imposed an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which prohibits Edwards from having any contact with individuals under the age of 18 unless such contact is supervised. This order aims to prevent any potential reoffending and protect the community from further harm.
The judge described Edwards as a “predatory” and “controlling” individual who demonstrated a blatant disregard for the well-being of his victims. The court heard that Edwards had carried out these sexual attacks over a 13-year period, often for his own sexual gratification. The nature of his crimes was particularly disturbing, as he had used alcohol to manipulate some victims and had resorted to violence on at least one occasion. Notably, he did not use any form of protection during these assaults.
Throughout the trial and sentencing, Edwards maintained his innocence, showing no visible emotion when the verdict was delivered. He claimed he was not responsible for the crimes he was convicted of, despite overwhelming evidence against him. The judge condemned his actions and highlighted the cruelty of his behavior, which caused lasting trauma to his victims. Edwards' refusal to accept responsibility added to the court's view of his character as manipulative and unrepentant.
In court, the prosecution, led by Mark Connor, referenced Edwards' previous convictions for unlawful sexual intercourse in the 1980s and indecent exposure in 1990, illustrating a pattern of concerning behavior. Defense barrister Jonathan Duffy argued that his client maintained his innocence and pointed out that there was no gratuitous violence involved in the crimes, a factor often associated with such cases.
Following the sentencing, police officials expressed their relief and satisfaction with the outcome. Detective Constable David James, the lead investigator, praised the courage of the victims, stating, “This is an excellent result which we hope will go some way towards assisting the victims in putting this awful time in their life behind them. If it hadn’t been for their courage, this would not have been possible.”
Detective Sergeant Arwyn Jones, who oversees the Sexual Offences Team, emphasized the importance of the case in encouraging other victims to come forward. “This result should encourage other victims to come forward with the confidence that North Wales Police is dedicated to bringing offenders of such crimes to justice,” he said. The case has underscored the commitment of law enforcement agencies in Wrexham and the wider North Wales area to combat sexual crimes and protect vulnerable individuals from predatory offenders.