RONALD BOXALL SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN MAESTEG FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST A CHILD

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Maesteg, Ronald Boxall, a 64-year-old man residing on West Way, was handed down an eight-year prison sentence at Hove Crown Court for a series of serious sexual offences committed against a young girl. The conviction followed a comprehensive five-day trial that concluded on March 13, with the court finding him guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault involving a minor.

Boxall was charged with five separate offences, which included two counts of assaulting a girl under the age of 13 by penetration with part of his body, and three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15, when he was over 18. These offences spanned a period of five years, beginning in 2006 when the victim was just 11 years old, and continuing until she was 15. The initial report to police was made on August 23, 2011, after the victim confided in her sister-in-law about the abuse. Following this, Boxall was arrested on September 24, 2011, and formally charged on February 23, 2012.

During the trial, the court heard that the abuse had taken place over several years, with the victim showing remarkable bravery in coming forward. The jury reached a unanimous verdict of guilt on March 13, after which the case moved to sentencing. Judge Niblett, presiding over the case, emphasized the gravity of the offences, noting that Boxall had exploited the victim’s vulnerability and youth. The judge stated that Boxall had failed to recognize that the girl was a child and had deliberately abused her trust.

In his remarks, Judge Niblett highlighted that Boxall, who also worked as a night-time cleaner at the Maesteg railway station, had shown no remorse during the proceedings. The judge described him as a man who was devious and capable of deceiving those who trusted him, further condemning his actions. The judge also praised the victim for her courage and resilience, as well as the officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Angela De Vivo.

Detective De Vivo expressed her relief and pride in the victim’s bravery, stating, “I have worked with the victim from the moment she built up the courage to report this abuse to make sure Boxall was brought to justice. I am happy and relieved, as is the victim, that the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict and that he has been sentenced to eight years. She now feels she can begin to move on and get on with her life.”

Authorities reaffirm their commitment to supporting victims of sexual abuse and emphasized the importance of reporting such crimes. Detective De Vivo urged anyone who has experienced similar abuse to contact police at 101, assuring the public that all reports are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.