ANDREW SIBLEY FROM NEWPORT AND PENCOED JAILED FOR CYNICAL GROOMING OFFENSES

In April 2021, a man named Andrew Sibley, formerly residing in Newport and later in Pencoed, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison after being convicted of engaging in what the court described as 'cynical and repulsive grooming' of a young girl. The judge overseeing the case condemned Sibley for his calculated and manipulative behavior, which caused significant emotional trauma to his victim.

Prosecutor Ruth Smith detailed the disturbing nature of Sibley's actions, revealing that he had fondled and groomed the girl over a period of time. It was also disclosed that Sibley, 52 years old at the time, would supply his young victim with cigarettes, further exerting control and influence over her. The court heard that Sibley pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual assault, acknowledging his guilt in the proceedings.

During the trial, Miss Smith read aloud a heartfelt impact statement from the victim, who expressed the lasting effects of Sibley's abuse. The statement conveyed her ongoing struggle, stating, 'I have found this hard to live with over the years. He said some things which terrified me. What this man did to me, I will never forget or forgive.' The emotional testimony underscored the profound and enduring harm caused by Sibley's actions.

Judge Daniel Williams delivered a stern judgment, condemning Sibley's conduct as both cynical and repulsive. The judge emphasized that Sibley had threatened the victim with the false assurance that she would not be believed if she disclosed the abuse. The court also noted that Sibley had minimized or dismissed the severity of his crimes in his pre-sentence report, reflecting a lack of remorse.

As a result of his conviction, Sibley was sentenced to four years and eleven months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and to comply with a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect indefinitely. Following his release, Sibley will also be required to pay a surcharge as part of his sentencing conditions.

After Sibley was taken down to the cells to begin serving his sentence, Judge Williams expressed his concern and extended his best wishes to the victim, acknowledging the impact of the case and the importance of justice being served.