CHRISTOPHER HARRHY: PREDATORY SEX OFFENDER FROM PONTYPOOL SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR BRUTAL ATTACKS IN CARDIFF

In a landmark case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Pontypool and the wider South Wales region, Christopher Harrhy, aged 43, has been handed a life sentence following his conviction for a series of heinous crimes spanning over three decades. The offences, which include attempted murder, multiple rapes, and indecent assaults, were committed across various locations, with the most recent and severe incidents taking place in Cardiff.

Harrhy’s criminal history is extensive and disturbing. His first known offence dates back to the 1970s, when he indecently assaulted a girl under the age of 13. Over the years, his pattern of predatory behavior escalated, culminating in a series of violent and sexually motivated crimes. In 1997, Harrhy was convicted and imprisoned for the manslaughter of Maxine Hawkins, the young daughter of his former wife, a tragic event that further underscores the violent tendencies he has exhibited.

Following his release from prison, Harrhy’s criminal activities did not cease. He went on to commit a series of sexual assaults, including raping a woman in a car and repeatedly attacking a teenage girl, even in her mother’s bed. Court proceedings revealed that Harrhy had blackmailed this young victim, claiming to possess a videotape of their sexual encounter, thereby exerting coercive control over her.

One of the most chilling aspects of the case involved a tape recording made by a victim, who, fearing for her safety, captured Harrhy’s threats to kill her during a phone call. This recording played a crucial role in securing his conviction. Harrhy was also heard to have repeatedly indecently assaulted another girl, threatening to rape her if she refused his advances. These threats, along with his other violent acts, demonstrated a pattern of predatory and violent behavior.

Harrhy’s violence extended beyond sexual offenses. During his reign of terror, he attempted to kill his ex-wife, Maxine Hawkins, by strangling her until she lost consciousness, after she expressed her desire to leave him. Such acts of violence highlight the dangerous and unstable nature of his character.

After a six-week trial, the jury found Harrhy guilty of multiple charges, including threats to kill, assault, wounding, blackmail, and attempted grievous bodily harm. He was also convicted of five counts of rape, six indecent assaults, and attempted murder. The court’s sentencing, delivered by Judge Griffith Williams QC, reflected the severity of his crimes. Harrhy was sentenced to life imprisonment for the most serious offences, with additional concurrent sentences of between two and four years for the remaining charges.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Williams described Harrhy as a “predatory” individual with a “short temper,” emphasizing his lack of remorse and understanding of the harm caused. The judge also imposed strict restrictions on Harrhy’s future interactions, banning him from contacting or being alone with any girl under 17 without parental supervision, and ordering him to register as a sex offender for life.

Following the verdict, the victim who recorded Harrhy’s threats expressed relief and pride in her actions. She stated, “I had had enough and so, one day, I recorded him on my phone. I’m relieved, I’m glad he’s not coming out.” Her mother added, “She’s a hero. I hope he dies in jail.” The case has brought to light the importance of victims’ courage in confronting and documenting abuse, and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals like Harrhy in the community of Pontypool and beyond.