NEWPORT MAN JAILED FOR CHILD RAPE AFTER DECADES-LONG SILENCE
A man repeatedly raped his young sister when he was 15 years old but he was only brought to justice decades later when his victim reported the matter to the police.He threatened to kill his sister if she ever told anyone about the sexual abuse, and she described him taking her "childhood away from her".Shaun Lampitt, 51, of Newport, carried out the heinous rapes of Catherine Dixon when she was just nine years old.
He denied these charges but was ultimately found guilty of three counts of raping a child under 13 after a court trial.Despite victims of sexual offences being guaranteed anonymity by law, Ms Dixon chose to waive her right so she could share her story, in hope it would encourage other women to come forward and report sexual assault.The sentencing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court revealed Lampitt raped Ms Dixon on three occasions during the 1980s and 1990s.
During the assaults, he was aggressive and made her pray for help as she was subjected to brutal attacks.
He was violent on some occasions and forced her to 'scrub' herself in front of him.
Judge Daniel Williams stated, "The effect of that which you did to her, lives with her every day." The court also heard that Lampitt has no previous convictions and had not been working since his baby daughter died.Ms Dixon courageously spoke about her suffering, sharing that as a child she had few good memories of her brother and describing her life as a 'black and white' existence after her trauma.
She recounted how his abuse shattered her childhood, noting that she struggled with the effects into her teenage years, attempted self-harm, and even considered ending her life.
She expressed hope that justice would help her close that painful chapter and begin to heal.Judge Williams sentenced Lampitt to four years in prison.
Additionally, he was ordered to adhere to a five-year restraining order and indefinite sex offender notification requirements.
Detective constable Sean Gough of Gwent Police praised Ms Dixon’s resilience, saying, "The victim in this case has shown remarkable bravery and resilience throughout the investigation, court proceedings and waiving her right to anonymity." The police hope that her bravery will inspire others to speak out and seek help.
