PHILIP BALDRY FROM MOUNTAIN ASH SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SOUTH WALES

In October 2015, a disturbing case unfolded in the courts of South Wales involving Philip Baldry, a 62-year-old man from Mountain Ash, who was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences committed against a young woman over three decades ago. The court heard that Baldry, despite denying all allegations, was found guilty by a jury of 19 separate sexual offences, which had taken place many years prior to his arrest.

Throughout the proceedings, Baldry showed no visible emotion as he was led away to the holding cells, but the court was informed of the profound psychological damage inflicted upon his victim. The woman, whose identity remains protected for her safety, delivered a heartfelt statement describing the long-lasting impact of Baldry’s abuse. She recounted how he had exerted control over her for 30 years, expressing her relief that the ordeal was finally coming to an end and her desire to no longer suffer in silence.

The court was also told that Baldry’s health was in decline, raising concerns that he might not survive his lengthy prison sentence. His legal representative, Barrister Heath Edwards, from Glamorgan Street, Mountain Ash, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “He faces the prospect of dying in custody.” Edwards further explained that Baldry continued to deny the charges but was willing to participate in the prison’s sex offenders’ treatment programme, which he would have ample time to complete during his incarceration.

The victim’s personal statement revealed the emotional toll of coming forward and reporting the abuse. She described the difficulty of summoning the courage to contact the police, emphasizing her hope that her actions would prevent other girls from suffering similar trauma. She expressed her anger and disappointment at Baldry’s persistent denial, which she said had compounded her suffering and affected her family deeply. “None of us needed to be there if he had admitted it,” she wrote, describing her feelings of betrayal and the pain of reliving her trauma during the trial.

She also shared the physical and mental health struggles she faced, including sleepless nights, a heart condition she attributed to stress, and ongoing depression. Judge Michael Fitton QC acknowledged the severity of her psychological harm, describing her report of depression as a “modest statement” of the profound impact the offences had on her life. The judge noted that Baldry’s actions had caused her significant pain, humiliation, and distress, and that her trauma was exacerbated by the trial process itself, where Baldry’s continued denial added to her suffering.

During the sentencing, the judge highlighted the danger Baldry posed to children, emphasizing that he had always represented a risk of reoffending. The court was told that Baldry had led a seemingly constructive life since the offences, forming relationships and raising five children, but the judge made it clear that Baldry’s past actions could not be overlooked. “The consequences of the sentence are entirely your responsibility—you have brought this upon yourself,” he stated.

As part of his punishment, Baldry will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and will be subject to restrictions regarding any future contact with children. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to vulnerable individuals, especially children, in the Mountain Ash area and beyond.