SIMON NASH FROM ABERDARE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL AFTER PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS

In June 2020, a disturbing case unfolded involving Simon Nash, a 35-year-old man from Aberdare, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl after establishing a deceptive relationship with her family. The victim's family, unaware of Nash's criminal history, had welcomed him into their lives, only to be betrayed by his predatory actions.

Simon Nash had a troubling past, having been convicted of indecent assault on a female under 14 when he was just 17 years old in 2002. Two years later, in 2004, he was again convicted of indecent assault, this time on a female under 16, at the age of 19. Despite these previous convictions, Nash was under a sexual harm prevention order at the time of the latest offences, which was imposed due to his earlier crimes involving indecent assaults on children during his teenage years.

The allegations against Nash centered around his deliberate efforts to ingratiate himself with the victim’s family, which remains unnamed for legal reasons. It was argued that Nash intentionally associated himself with the family to gain access to the teenage girl, whom he ultimately sexually assaulted. During the trial at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, Nash denied the charges, claiming innocence. However, the jury reached a unanimous verdict on March 4, finding him guilty of sexual activity with a girl under 13.

In addition to the primary charge, Nash faced a separate accusation of making threats to kill, but he was acquitted of this particular offence. The case was brought before Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing, where the impact of Nash’s actions was highlighted through a victim personal statement read out by prosecutor Alexander Greenwood. The statement, provided by the victim’s mother, painted a grim picture of the emotional toll inflicted on her daughter.

According to her testimony, the assault and Nash’s manipulative behavior have caused significant psychological harm. She explained, “It has made her ill and I have noticed a massive difference in her as a person. She has had to have support in school for mental health. There has been a difference in behaviour, she is non-engaging with family and locks herself in her bedroom and doesn’t attend family outings. Before she was a lovely person, always going out and acting like a normal teenager. It has put pressure on us as a family and I feel so hopeless and upset because she won’t open up to me.”

Judge Jeremy Jenkins presided over the sentencing, carefully considering whether to impose an indeterminate prison sentence. Ultimately, he decided on an extended sentence, reflecting the severity of Nash’s conduct and his history of offending. The judge emphasized Nash’s lack of remorse, stating, “You have denied the offence to the jury and the author of the presentence report and called the victim a liar and you put her through the ordeal of a trial so you get no credit. You are described as being completely unrepentant and as a significant risk to children. You targeted your victim who was vulnerable.”

Simon Nash, who resides at Heol Caradog, Penywaun, Aberdare, was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison. Of this, six years will be served in custody, with the remaining year on licence, reflecting the court’s assessment of the danger he poses to the community and the need for ongoing supervision after his release.