STEPHEN HONE FROM ABERTILLERY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILD IN CARDIFF

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Abertillery and the wider South Wales region, Stephen Hone, aged 38, was sentenced to three years in prison at Cardiff Crown Court for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The crimes spanned over a period of more than six months, during which Hone engaged in multiple acts of indecent assault against the girl, who was only 11 years old at the time.

Prosecutor David Webster outlined the severity of the case, describing Hone’s actions as involving "gross sexual misconduct". The court heard that Hone’s conduct was not a single incident but a pattern of abuse that persisted over several months, causing significant trauma to the young victim. The court was told that Hone’s offenses were particularly egregious given the vulnerability and innocence of the child involved.

Following the conviction, Judge Michael Burr ordered Hone to register as a sex offender for life, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and the potential ongoing risk he poses to the community. The judge expressed deep concern about the impact of Hone’s actions, stating, "She was young, a very innocent child and you abused her for your own sexual satisfaction for something in excess of six months. This was a disgraceful episode in your history. Who knows what damage this has done to the child?"

During the trial, Hone vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that the accusations were entirely false and that the girl was lying. Despite his protests, the evidence presented in court led to his conviction, and he was subsequently sentenced to serve three years behind bars. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Abertillery, raising concerns about safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable children from predators.