RAYMOND NEWELL'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN NEWPORT AND PONTLLANFRAITH: A LONG HISTORY OF ABUSE REVEALED

In July 2021, Raymond Newell, a 75-year-old man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses, was sentenced to an extended prison term after being convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Newport, South Wales. The assault left the young victim deeply traumatized, to the extent that she became fearful of wearing dresses, a symbol of her childhood innocence.

According to court reports, Newell, who previously worked as a school caretaker at Bryn Primary School in nearby Pontllanfraith, targeted the girl on two separate occasions. During these incidents, he inappropriately touched her beneath her clothing, actions that have had a lasting impact on her mental health and self-esteem. The victim’s mother recounted her daughter’s distress, revealing that she was so affected by the assaults that she insisted her mother throw away all her dresses. The mother expressed concern over her daughter’s changed demeanor, noting her loss of confidence, her wariness around others, and her emotional struggles, including episodes of crying and low mood. The mother emphasized that her daughter, once outgoing and carefree, now only feels comfortable wearing leggings, illustrating the profound effect the abuse has had on her childhood and sense of security.

Court proceedings revealed that Newell’s criminal conduct was not isolated. In 2005, he was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for a series of sexual assaults committed against a 12-year-old girl. At that time, Newell was 59 years old and had a long history of criminal behavior, including seven indecent assaults and violent offenses, some of which involved police officers. Despite his criminal record, he was employed as a caretaker at Bryn Primary School, a position that allowed him access to children. The case raised serious questions about the vetting procedures used by local authorities, with Plaid Cymru Welsh Assembly Member Jocelyn Davies calling for an inquiry into how Newell was appointed to his role, given his extensive criminal background.

During the 2005 incidents, Newell befriended the girl, buying her presents, including underwear with the word “sexy” printed on them. The court heard that he committed his assaults in a school building and at his caretaker’s bungalow within the school grounds over an 18-month period. Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett highlighted that Newell’s actions took place when no one else was around, and he warned the girl, saying, “If you tell your mother about this you’ll get into trouble — and so will I.”

Further investigations revealed that Newell, who was twice divorced, had also lured other children into the school premises during weekends when the school was empty. Children played on gym equipment in the main hall and pretended to be teachers in classrooms, unaware of the danger posed by Newell.

Judge William Gaskell condemned Newell’s breach of trust, stating, “You were in a position of responsibility and trust. You breached that position for more than a year until your victim felt able to talk about it. We cannot yet determine the full psychological impact on her.” As a result, Newell was banned from working with children for life and was ordered to register as a sex offender.

In his recent sentencing, Judge David Wynn Morgan described Newell as a “danger” to the public, especially young girls, and sentenced him to an extended five-year prison term. The court also mandated that he remain on the sex offender register for life, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to society.