PAUL EVANS FROM CARDIFF AND CWMBRAN JAILED FOR ABUSING BOYS IN GWEINT

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Cardiff and Cwmbran, Paul Evans, a 54-year-old former Army cadet captain, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a series of disturbing indecent assaults committed nearly two decades ago. The court proceedings revealed a troubling pattern of abuse, where Evans exploited his position of authority over young boys, leading to a lengthy and painful process of justice.

According to the evidence presented at Cardiff Crown Court, Evans, who was responsible for leading a prominent group of Army cadets in Gwent, used his role to bully and manipulate vulnerable teenagers. The court heard that he employed physical punishment as a form of discipline, but beneath this veneer of leadership, he engaged in reprehensible acts of sexual misconduct. Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett described Evans as someone who wielded a “degree of power and respect” over the cadets, which he then abused in a manner described as “appalling” by the judge.

Evans was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault, admitting to assaulting three boys under the age of 16. The court sentenced him to 33 months in prison, acknowledging the severity of his actions. The assaults took place approximately twenty years ago, but their impact has persisted in the lives of the victims, some of whom have chosen to speak publicly about their experiences.

One of the victims, Mr. Thomas, now 33 and residing in Cwmbran, courageously waived his right to anonymity to share his story. He recounted how the trauma inflicted by Evans had a lasting effect on his life, particularly his aspirations to join the Army. Mr. Thomas explained that the assault, which occurred when he was around 13 years old, was so traumatic that it left him unable to accept authority figures. He described how Evans had dragged him downstairs by the hair after he had spoken to a female cadet, then subjected him to the assault.

After the hearing, Mr. Thomas reflected on the damage caused by Evans’ actions, stating, “My dream was to go into the army. This is why I joined the cadets. He shattered all my dreams when I left school and the cadet force because I could not accept any sort of authority figure.” He revealed that he suffered in silence for many years, feeling isolated and unable to talk about what had happened. Despite these hardships, Mr. Thomas managed to rebuild his life, eventually joining the Royal Regiment of Wales at age 17. However, he left after just eight months, unable to trust his superiors or feel safe in the military environment. “I didn’t trust anyone and didn’t feel safe with the officers there,” he said. “It has affected my respect for authority and impacted my work life.”

Today, Mr. Thomas has found stability and happiness, having married his long-term partner three years ago. He now works as an industrial abseiler, performing maintenance tasks such as bricklaying on viaducts and bridges for the railway companies. His story underscores the long-lasting effects of abuse and the importance of justice for victims.

Judge Philip Richards addressed Evans directly during sentencing, stating, “This was quite plainly appalling bullying. This was behaviour which was for your gratification, both as a bully and in sexual terms. They were subjected to a degree of humiliation in the company of people of their own age, which must have had a horrible effect on them.”

Representing Evans, Caroline Rees acknowledged his remorse, stating, “He accepts that what he did was grossly wrong. As a child, he was the victim of abuse over a number of years and struggled himself with his sexuality and is now an openly gay man. He does not fully understand what it was that led him down that particular path but is anxious to do so.”

Evans, of Ty Fry Close, Rumney, Cardiff, now faces the consequences of his actions, with the court emphasizing the profound harm caused to his victims and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their misconduct.