A 39-YEAR-OLD PAEDOPHILE from Barry who committed offences against two young girls has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment, with an extended six years on licence.
Sean Newington initially denied three counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual assault of a child but later pleaded guilty.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard how Newington pulled up the clothing of his first victim and touched her. Newington also strangled the victim, slapped her on the arm and punched her in the stomach. The victim described lying there as Newington abused her and “froze”.
The second victim was groped by Newington, who touched her over her clothing. The abuse of both victims was reported to the police, and the defendant was arrested.
In victim personal statements read to the court by prosecutor Julia Cox, the first victim’s father said: “[The victim] struggles to sleep on a daily basis and doesn’t feel comfortable going out of the house.
“She struggles with showing affection and with hugging us. I believe she is scared to be asked about this incident and what has taken place. She gets distracted and would rather bottle it up.”
The second victim provided a statement that said: “I have struggled with anxiety, stress and have been unable to sleep…I struggle to maintain relationships and fear getting into relationships with boys.
“I feel angry about everything and started self-harming more because of what has taken place.”
Marian Lewis, mitigating on behalf of Newington, said her client was “truly remorseful” for what he had done to his victims, that he was under “immense stress” after losing his job, and had fallen into debts of £300,000, which led him to turn to drink. He had also been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, dyslexia, apraxia and autism. Ms Lewis asked the judge to give Newington maximum credit for his early guilty pleas, saying he was previously a man of good character and had no convictions to his name.
Addressing Newington, Judge Hobson described him as “predatory, devious and cynical” and added: “You plainly have a sexual interest in children. Probation say you are unwilling to accept that at present. In short, Mr Newington, you are a paedophile.”
Newington was sentenced to eight years imprisonment, with an extended six years on licence. He will be eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of his custodial term, meaning he could be released after five years and four months.
In addition to his prison sentence, Newington was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order, and to sex offender notification requirements for life.
Newington was also ordered to pay a statutory victim surcharge within nine months of leaving prison.
By Marcus Stead – News Reporter
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