MICHAEL REES FROM LLANHILLETH SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CARDIFF

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Llanhilleth community, Michael Rees, a 43-year-old resident of High Street, Llanhilleth, was brought before Cardiff Crown Court to face serious allegations of indecent assault involving a 14-year-old girl. The incident reportedly took place in May of the previous year, when Rees offered the young girl a lift to Cardiff city centre.

According to court proceedings, Rees drove the girl down a secluded lane, where he proceeded to kiss her without her consent. The court was told that the girl, described as 'shocked and frightened,' tried to resist his advances by grabbing his face and pleading, 'Don’t.' Despite her protests, Rees continued to kiss her on the neck and touched her indecently during the ordeal.

Prosecutor Richard Kember detailed the distressing events, stating, “He continued kissing her neck. She grabbed his face with both hands, saying: ‘Don’t.’ She was panicking and frightened.” After the assault, Rees dropped the girl off in Cardiff city centre, leaving her shaken and distressed.

When Rees was later arrested, he attempted to deny the allegations, claiming that the girl, who is now 15, had fabricated the story. He alleged that she had visited his house to see his puppies and had flirted with him, which he claimed was the basis for his innocence. However, he eventually admitted to a charge of indecent assault.

During the court hearing, Rees’s defense lawyer, Greg Bull, highlighted the negative repercussions Rees had faced since the incident, including harassment from community members. Mr. Bull expressed Rees’s desire to rehabilitate himself, stating, “He is desperate to try to re-adjust his life.”

Judge Roderick Denyer QC delivered a sentencing that reflects the gravity of the offense. Rees was ordered to complete a three-year community rehabilitation order, which includes mandatory participation in a sex offenders’ programme. Additionally, he was required to register as a sex offender for a period of five years.

The judge emphasized the importance of protecting young girls from individuals with distorted views, stating, “Fourteen-year-old girls do have to be protected and have to be protected from people like you who have a distorted view about young girls.” The case has left the Llanhilleth community grappling with the repercussions of this disturbing incident.