AIDEN BRADLEY FROM PONTYPOOL SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN SOUTH WALES

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Pontypool and the wider South Wales region, Aiden Bradley, a 26-year-old man, was sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving four women over a span of seven years. The court heard that Bradley, whose actions have left a trail of physical and emotional devastation, engaged in a series of brutal sexual assaults that included rape, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the possession of indecent images of children.

Bradley's criminal activities took place between 2009 and 2016, during which he targeted women who, due to the severity of their experiences, suffered long-lasting trauma. One of his victims, who was raped and subsequently became pregnant, was forced to undergo an abortion after Bradley made her pregnant. The court was told that this victim, infected with an STI, found it impossible to bring herself to give birth to the child conceived through his assault. She described her ongoing fear, stating, "It is a horrible insecure feeling that he could turn up behind me. When I am out in public, I find myself constantly looking over my shoulder."

Throughout the trial, the jury, composed of eight men and four women, acquitted Bradley of eight additional counts of rape and two sexual assault charges. However, they found him guilty of five counts of rape, which led to his severe sentencing. The judge, Jeremy Jenkins, described Bradley as a manipulative individual capable of extreme cruelty and dominance. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Jenkins emphasized Bradley’s inability to accept rejection, stating, "You are a man who simply could not and would not take no for an answer."

The judge further condemned Bradley’s actions, calling him a "dangerous young man with an unhealthy and perverted interest in sexual behaviour." He highlighted the profound impact on the victims, noting that without police intervention, justice might never have been served. The court heard that the victims’ lives had been irreparably damaged, with many suffering from significant mental health issues and physical consequences stemming from Bradley’s assaults.

In addition to his sexual crimes, Bradley admitted to possessing indecent images of children, adding another layer of depravity to his profile. The court was informed that police had contacted the victims directly following Bradley’s arrest, rather than the victims reaching out to authorities themselves, underscoring the importance of police intervention in uncovering and addressing such crimes.

Bradley’s case has left a lasting scar on the community of Pontypool, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals capable of such cruelty. His sentencing marks a significant step in delivering justice for the victims and underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and support for survivors of sexual violence.