ROYSTAN LEWIS SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN EBBW VALE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Ebbw Vale, Roystan Lewis, a 58-year-old man, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences. The proceedings took place at Cardiff Crown Court, where Lewis appeared to face justice for a series of disturbing crimes committed over a span of fifteen years.

Lewis was found guilty of two counts of serious sexual offences, including one count of sexual assault, seven counts of indecent assault, and two counts of indecency with a child. The judge, Neil Bidder, described Lewis as a significant danger to children, emphasizing the manipulative tactics he employed to gain the trust of families in the Ebbw Vale area. The court heard how Lewis would ingratiate himself with families by showering their children with gifts and taking them on trips to popular destinations such as Disneyworld. These acts of kindness were part of a calculated effort to establish a bond of trust, which Lewis exploited to access their children.

According to court testimony, Lewis would often initiate play by tickling the children, which would escalate into inappropriate touching during play fights. The offences involved multiple incidents against a young boy, with Lewis also indecently assaulting another boy. Additionally, he sexually assaulted a girl on one occasion, with Judge Bidder noting that Lewis appeared to have a similar pattern of behavior towards her, although she confided in a relative before any further harm could occur.

The court also revisited Lewis’s past criminal record, recalling a 2006 conviction for common assault after he slapped a young boy’s bare buttock while they played pool at his home. Although he was charged with a sexual offence at that time, the jury was uncertain about whether there was a sexual motive. Judge Bidder remarked that, in hindsight, it was clear there was a sexual intent, reinforcing the view that Lewis poses a grave threat to pre-pubescent children.

The judge highlighted the profound psychological trauma inflicted upon Lewis’s victims, describing the emotional turmoil and distress as incalculable. Despite being characterized as a hard-working individual with childish interests, Lewis has never engaged in a sexual relationship with an adult, revealing a disturbing preference for children. His defense attorney, Harry Baker, acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but noted that Lewis was well spoken of by those who knew him.

Sentencing, Judge Bidder initially imposed a 15-year term for the multiple sexual offences. However, considering the severity of the crimes, he increased the sentence to 20 years under the Criminal Courts Sentencing Act 2000. Lewis was also sentenced to concurrent terms of 15 years for another serious sexual offence, six years each for seven counts of indecent assault, 12 months for sexual assault, and 18 months each for two counts of indecency with a child. The total sentence includes a period of seven and a half years in prison, with the remainder to be served on license.

Judge Bidder concluded by remarking that by the time Lewis is released, he will be in his seventies, and his sexual urges should be significantly diminished. Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Mark Gardner of Gwent Police expressed gratitude to the victims and their families for their courage in coming forward, emphasizing the importance of their support in securing the conviction. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who manipulate trust to commit heinous acts against vulnerable children in the community of Ebbw Vale.