NEATH PAEDOPHILE RAPHAEL GARDNER SENTENCED FOR ABUSE AND PREGNANCY OF YOUNG VICTIM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Neath, Raphael Clive Gardner, a 57-year-old man, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving young girls. The crimes, which spanned several years, culminated in Gardner abusing a young girl to the extent that she became pregnant, an act that has left lasting scars on her life.

Gardner’s heinous actions came to light during a police investigation prompted by the victim’s disclosure. The court heard that Gardner subjected the girl to a series of sexual assaults over an extended period. During the trial, it was revealed that Gardner not only assaulted her but also coerced her into blaming a fellow pupil at her school for the pregnancy, attempting to shift responsibility away from himself.

It was only three days into the trial that Gardner finally admitted to his wrongdoing, denying the allegations initially. The police investigation uncovered a second victim, a young girl who had also been attacked by Gardner. This second incident was a single sexual assault that took place in a shed, during which the victim managed to bite Gardner and escape. The details of this attack further underscored Gardner’s pattern of predatory behavior.

During police interviews, Gardner claimed that the girl who became pregnant had “come on to him” and initiated the sexual activity, a statement that was met with condemnation by the court. Prosecutor Ian Wright told Swansea Crown Court that Gardner had abused the first girl over several years, and her pregnancy was a direct result of his actions. The emotional and psychological toll on both victims was highlighted through statements read out in court, revealing the profound impact Gardner’s abuse has had on their lives.

It was also disclosed that Gardner was a violent individual with a history of substance abuse. Court records indicated that he was a heavy user of cider, gin, cannabis, and amphetamines, which he reportedly consumed daily. His violent tendencies and substance abuse issues painted a troubling picture of a man with a long history of destructive behavior.

Gardner, who was formerly residing in Tonmawr but was at the time of sentencing living on Castle Drive, Cimla, Neath, had previously pleaded guilty to 13 serious sexual offences. His guilty pleas were taken into account during sentencing, leading to the nine-year prison term handed down by Judge Paul Thomas QC. The judge also ordered that Gardner serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody before being eligible for release on licence, with the remaining period to be served in the community under supervision.