CARDIFF MAN JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
A paedophile named Thomas Vanstone, aged 26, from Cardiff, has been convicted of repeatedly abusing a young girl who was just eight years old when the abuse started.The court heard that Vanstone's actions included three counts of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Despite denying the offences, Vanstone was found guilty at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.
The victim described the profound impact the abuse has had on her life, stating: "It's been a very long year.
What Thomas Vanstone did to me has ruined my life.
This has had a massive impact on me...
I carried this on my own shoulders for years being too scared to say anything.
I feel weight has been lifted off my shoulders but I still carry some.
I feel relieved I opened up.
It took years to realise what he was doing to me was wrong." She also shared her ongoing trauma, saying: "I carry a lot of trauma, shock, shame and confusion.
I emotionally feel what happened to me as a little girl has ruined my life.
I have night terrors and I'm struggling to understand what he did to me...
I am suffering from depression and anxiety.
I felt I was an introvert and did not care about myself and others before telling my mum.
I'm struggling to sleep, I fear going out in large crowds and I feel really isolated and alone in this process." The defendant's lawyer argued that Vanstone maintains his innocence and described him as "still a young and hardworking man." The judge sentenced him to six years in prison, with the understanding he will serve two-thirds of the sentence before release on license.
Additionally, Vanstone was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, sex offender notification requirements, and an indefinite restraining order.
A police spokesperson praised the bravery of the victim, encouraging others to come forward regardless of how much time has passed since the offence.
The police emphasized their commitment to taking reports of sexual violence seriously and providing support for victims.
