MATTHEW BEYNON FROM LLANGYNDERNE SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CHILD IN CARMARTHEN

In September 2012, Matthew Beynon, aged 37, was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to four counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of exposure involving two victims, one of whom was only seven years old at the time.

The judge, Christopher Vosper, noted that Beynon-Thomas could have faced a longer sentence had he been charged under a different section of the Sexual Offences Act. Chairman Vosper explained, "Had you been charged under section six of the act, it would have been eight years in prison."

The victim reported the incidents in June to officers at Carmarthen police station. She had confided in her brother, who then informed their mother. The victim told police she initially did not report the assaults due to fear, stating, "Something's wrong," and explaining she was scared.

Prosecutor Chris James described the victim’s account: "She told him to go away and leave her alone. She tried to move away but he was much stronger than her." After one incident, the attacker called her a "good girl."

When police arrested Beynon-Thomas days later, he asked, "Does my wife know?" The defendant, of Maes y Berllan, Llangyndeyrn, acknowledged the severity of the sentence and said, "He realises the sentence will be one which is measured in years," and admitted, "He cannot explain his conduct." His lawyer, Mr. Hartson, stated, "He tells me he hopes his guilty plea can apply a degree of closure for his victims."

Judge Vosper pointed out that Beynon-Thomas had been charged under a less severe section, which influenced the length of his sentence. The judge concluded, "He had been charged for a lesser offence," and sentenced him to six years in prison, emphasizing, "If charged under section six of the act, it would have been eight years."