RICHARD JAMES SENTENCED IN SEDBURY FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING TWO GIRLS IN NEWPORT

In December 2004, a man from Sedbury named Richard James was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offences involving two young girls. The case was heard at Cardiff Crown Court, where James, aged 40 and residing on Buttington Road in Sedbury, was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault and one charge of indecency with a child.

James had denied all allegations, but the jury was convinced of his guilt after hearing evidence that he had abused the two girls in Newport. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing nature of his crimes, which were carried out in secret and without the victims' consent.

During the trial, Andrew Taylor, representing James, stated, “He is fully aware of the kind of sentence to be passed. His life in many ways is destroyed. He didn’t target any of the victims and he is willing to undergo any treatment.” Despite this, the judge, Neil Bidder, emphasized the severity of James’s actions. The judge pointed out that James, who had no previous criminal record, had exploited the trust of the young girls in a clandestine manner.

Judge Bidder described James as “intelligent and cunning,” and highlighted the manipulative tactics used to silence the victims. He explained that James had told one girl that it was her fault and threatened the other with imprisonment if she disclosed what had happened. The judge remarked, “A weight of guilt was placed by you on their shoulders.”

As part of his sentence, James was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was permanently banned from working with children. The court also specified that the license period of his sentence would last for six years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing supervision and restrictions.