PHILIP MURRAY TRELEWIS SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR MULTIPLE ATTACKS IN MERTHYR TYDFIL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Trelewis and the wider Merthyr Tydfil area, Philip Murray, an 18-year-old man, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual assaults involving young girls. The court heard that Murray was responsible for three separate attacks spanning over several years, with victims ranging from as young as seven to a 16-year-old girl.

Judge John Curran presided over the case at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court and emphasized the severity of Murray’s actions by imposing an indeterminate sentence, which will require him to serve a minimum of four and a half years before he can apply for parole. The judge stated that Murray posed a significant risk of causing serious harm to the public, justifying the lengthy detention.

Murray pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including an attempted rape of a child under 13 on May 12, 2004; an assault by penetration of a girl under 13 on August 3, 2005; and the rape of a 16-year-old girl on March 20, 2009. All three offenses carry the potential for a life sentence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.

For legal reasons, the identities of the victims have not been disclosed, but the court was informed that the first victim, a seven-year-old girl, was physically sick after the assault. The case also revealed troubling procedural issues, with Judge Curran criticizing the handling of the earlier incidents. He remarked, “This case has a rather disturbing history. The first two matters were reported to the police. For reasons I find beyond comprehension, they were not properly pursued. Had they been, perhaps the third occasion would not have occurred.”

Prosecutor Liz Pearson detailed the circumstances of the first attack, describing how the young girl was pushed against a wall and had her clothing pulled down as Murray, then only 12 years old, attempted to rape her. Despite police being called, the case was not actively pursued at the time.

The second victim, a 10-year-old girl visiting South Wales, recounted how Murray, aged 14, had grabbed her while she was playing. Again, police were involved, but Murray was released without any charges being filed.

The final assault involved Murray, now 16, raping a girl of his own age. He was apprehended after DNA evidence linked him to the crime, with his DNA found on the victim’s genitals. This evidence led to his conviction and subsequent sentencing.

As part of his punishment, Murray will be required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. He is also disqualified from working with children and is barred from employment involving vulnerable adults, measures designed to protect the community from further harm.