ALAN NEAL FROM NORTHAMPTONSHIRE GROOMS 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN CWMBRAN AND NEWPORT
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Alan Neal, a 35-year-old man from Northamptonshire, was found guilty of grooming a 14-year-old girl from Cwmbran for sexual exploitation.The incident unfolded after Neal initiated contact with the young girl through an Internet chatroom, where he engaged in manipulative and predatory behavior that would lead to a series of criminal acts.
Cardiff Crown Court heard that Neal targeted the vulnerable girl, who was only 14 at the time, and traveled from Northamptonshire to Newport on multiple occasions to meet her.
Over these visits, Neal engaged in repeated sexual relations with her, despite knowing her true age.
The court was told that Neal’s actions were characterized by a pattern of grooming, manipulation, and exploitation, which culminated in serious criminal charges.
Neal pleaded guilty to ten counts of sexual assault and one count of possessing amphetamine.
His sentencing took place recently, where he was sentenced to five years in prison.
The judge, John Griffith Williams, also ordered Neal to be on license for eight years following his release.
Additionally, Neal was mandated to register as a sex offender, and he received a lifetime ban from working with children and from entering Internet chatrooms, reflecting the severity of his crimes.
During the court proceedings, Neal’s defense lawyer, Leighton Hughes, acknowledged the gravity of Neal’s misconduct, stating, “I concede that there was abhorrent corruption.
He was carried away by her affection because she had fallen for him.
I accept it was disgraceful behaviour.
He has thrown everything away and is being divorced.” The judge addressed Neal directly, emphasizing the premeditation and continued exploitation involved in the case.
“Soon after making contact with the girl, you found out her true age.
But you continued to make contact with her, which demonstrated that you wanted to take advantage of her,” he said.
The court also highlighted Neal’s role in introducing the girl to sexual practices far beyond her years, further underscoring the malicious intent behind his actions.
Prosecutor Jane Rowley detailed the manipulative tactics Neal used to gain the girl’s trust.
Neal falsely claimed to be 23 years old, single, and expressed indifference to her age.
He sent her photographs of himself, paid for her mobile phone credit, and showered her with flowers, gifts, and erotic DVDs.
From the outset, the girl made it clear she was only 14, but Neal continued his pursuit regardless.
The first meeting between Neal and the girl took place at Newport railway station last year.
The girl, initially excited, became frightened when Neal’s appearance did not match her expectations.
They went for a meal, during which Neal cuddled her, and later he drove her to Duffryn, where he pressured her to get into the back of his car “to make him happy.” At one point, her fear caused her to scream.
Subsequent meetings included Neal asking her to run away with him.
On a third occasion, he picked her up from her home to go shopping but instead took her to a Bed & Breakfast, where he engaged in sexual activity with her.
During this encounter, Neal pulled out some of her hair, indicating a disturbing level of control and violence.
He also filmed her in erotic poses, claiming, “I want something to remember you by,” and even proposed marriage to her.
The following day, Neal sexually assaulted the girl again in a car while other people watched, further illustrating his reckless disregard for her safety and well-being.
The case took a turn when the girl’s father followed Neal and the girl, leading to police intervention.
Neal was subsequently arrested, bringing an end to his series of predatory acts.
This case underscores the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation.
Neal’s actions have left a lasting impact on the young girl and serve as a stark reminder of the need for strict enforcement of laws against such heinous crimes.
