CHRISTOPHER TATTON FROM LLANDYFRIOG SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS IN SWANSEA

In a case that has shocked the community of Llandyfriog and the wider Swansea area, Christopher Tatton, a 73-year-old resident of Ty Maris in Llandyfriog, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 17 years after being convicted of multiple serious sex offences involving young girls as young as five years old.

The conviction was handed down at Swansea Crown Court following a comprehensive trial during which Tatton was found guilty of all charges related to indecent assault. The offences spanned a period during which the victims, now adults, had suffered profound trauma from his actions. The court heard that Tatton had denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings.

The sentencing judge, Judge Paul Thomas, delivered a stern message to Tatton, emphasizing the devastating impact his crimes had on the victims. He stated, “You have robbed these girls of their childhoods, and the scars of your actions have continued to affect their adult lives.” Despite acknowledging the need for compassion, Judge Thomas made it clear that Tatton had shown no remorse or compassion towards his victims. The judge criticized Tatton for attempting to dismiss the allegations as false and for trying to evade responsibility, describing his behavior as an attempt to “brazen his way out to save his own skin.”

The judge also condemned Tatton for subjecting the victims to a trial where they were falsely accused of lying, further adding to their trauma. As part of the sentence, Judge Thomas imposed an extended custodial term, which means that after his release, Tatton will remain on licence and could be recalled to prison until 2039, should he breach the terms of his release.

It was revealed that Tatton’s health was a concern during the proceedings. His barrister, Ian Ibrahim, disclosed that the day after his conviction, Tatton suffered a heart attack while being remanded at Parc prison near Bridgend. He is currently awaiting a heart bypass operation, adding a layer of complexity to his incarceration.

The case has garnered significant attention, partly due to Tatton’s previous involvement with the Teifi Valley narrow gauge railway, where he was once a volunteer. The community and advocacy groups continue to emphasize the importance of justice for the victims and the need for vigilance against such predatory behavior, regardless of age or health status.