ANTHONY HAMPTON'S REIGN OF TERROR IN CARDIFF BAY: EX-COUNCILLOR AND TEACHER CONVICTED OF CHILD SEX ABUSE IN VALE OF GLAMORGAN

In December 2022, a disturbing case unfolded involving Anthony Hampton, a former councillor and teacher from the Vale of Glamorgan, whose actions have left a lasting scar on his victims. The case, heard at Newport Crown Court, revealed a pattern of sexual abuse committed by Hampton during the 1990s, targeting two young boys. His influence and position in the community had caused the victims to fear coming forward, worried that their allegations would not be believed due to his prominence in Cardiff Bay and the surrounding areas.

Hampton, aged 75, was found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault after a detailed trial. The court heard that he repeatedly engaged in inappropriate and sexual conduct with one of the boys, including rubbing his penis on the child's shoulder and masturbating in his presence. The victim was also forced to perform acts on Hampton himself. The second victim endured repeated inappropriate touching, specifically being touched on the leg near his groin by Hampton. These acts of abuse left deep psychological scars on both boys, who later reported the incidents to the police.

Following the conviction, Hampton was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to comply with sex offender notification requirements indefinitely, a measure designed to monitor his activities and prevent further harm. Despite the guilty verdicts, Hampton continues to maintain his innocence, claiming that he did not commit the crimes he was convicted of.

During the sentencing hearing, victim personal statements were read aloud by prosecutor Roger Griffiths, providing a harrowing insight into the long-lasting impact of Hampton’s actions. The first victim described how the abuse affected his childhood, making him a withdrawn and quiet individual. He expressed fears that his sexuality was influenced by the abuse and recounted the emotional turmoil he experienced, including feelings of shame and embarrassment. The victim also revealed that he was terrified he would not be believed because Hampton was a respected teacher and councillor in the Barry area, which compounded his fears of coming forward.

The second victim shared a deeply personal account of the trauma he endured. He described suffering from low self-esteem, depression, body dysmorphia, and distrust of others. The abuse led him to use hormones, which damaged his heart and disfigured his body. He also recounted a suicide attempt via drug overdose and revealed that he had struggled with substance abuse but had been sober for the past 18 months. The victim expressed relief that the jury saw Hampton for who he truly was, despite Hampton’s denial of the allegations. He emphasized that Hampton had no right to abuse him, as he was a child and Hampton was an adult.

Judge Richard Williams, presiding over the case, condemned Hampton’s facade of respectability, stating, “The character you portrayed to the outside world has been a facade. There is no remorse on your part.” The judge’s words underscored the gravity of the crimes and the betrayal of trust involved. Hampton’s actions have left a profound impact on his victims, and his sentencing reflects the seriousness with which the court views such offenses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their social standing or influence in communities like Cardiff Bay and the Vale of Glamorgan.