‘Monstrous’ abuser jailed for 22 years
AMAN has been given a jail sentence of 22 years after being found guilty of a series of historic sexual offences against children.
Arwyn Cellan Thomas collapsed in the dock at Swansea Crown Court after being handed his sentence, prompting dramatic scenes as the court was cleared.
The 49-year-old had pleaded not guilty to 15 charges, but had been found guilty following a trial by jury at Swansea Crown Court.
Prior to sentencing, impact statements written by some of his victims were read to the court.
One wrote: “This has really affected me. I used to have flashbacks to what he had done to me. I was ashamed about what he had done to me.”
A third, who read their statement from the dock, added: “I can’t forgive and I don’t know if I ever will. I hope justice is served and he never has the opportunity to do this to anyone again.”
Thomas, of Martin Street in Morriston – but formerly of Llanelli – had been found guilty of five charges of indecent assault, six charges of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, three charges of rape of a child under the age of 13, and assault of a child under 13 by penetration.
Catherine Richards, defending, said: “Mr Thomas accepts mitigation is limited. He will be an old man when he is released.”
Sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas QC told Thomas: “The way in which you abused these children was simply monstrous, and I choose my words carefully.
“The similar ages of your victims points to, in my view, a sexual interest of a particular age. You behaved in a quite awful fashion... and your victims’ lives have been so badly affected. You chose to contest these matters and that of course is your right, but it meant your victims had to contest these matters publicly in court.
“There is, what is more, not a shred of remorse for the way you have blighted their lives.
“You have no previous convictions for this type of offence, but not only did I see no show of remorse, but I saw an anger [when they gave evidence].
“In my view you present a continuing and high risk of serious harm well into the future.”
Thomas was given a 22-year sentence, with six years on licence, and was told he would serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole – at which stage he collapsed in the dock.