DAVID ROBERTS FROM LLANHARRY SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN CARDIFF

In a case that has shocked the community of Llanharry and the surrounding areas, David Wayne Roberts, aged 59, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 16 years after admitting to a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against three young girls over nearly two decades.

Roberts appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on March 8, where he pleaded guilty to a total of 12 charges. These charges included serious crimes such as rape, indecent assault, sexual assault, acts of indecency with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and the production of indecent images of children. The court was informed that his offending spanned a significant period, with some victims being abused multiple times and at various locations, indicating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

The initial revelations of Roberts’ abuse came to light last year when two young girls, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, confided in a school counselor. Their disclosures prompted an immediate police investigation, which uncovered a disturbing history of abuse. It was revealed that Roberts’ offending was not limited to recent years but extended back into the late 1990s, with at least one victim having been subjected to abuse during her childhood.

As the case progressed, further evidence emerged, confirming the extent of Roberts’ predatory actions. The police and the victims’ families collaborated closely, leading to a comprehensive investigation that uncovered the full scope of his criminal conduct. The court heard that Roberts had exploited opportunities to commit these offenses whenever they arose, demonstrating a pattern of dangerous and calculated behavior.

During the sentencing on March 29, the presiding judge did not hold back in condemning Roberts’ actions. The judge stated, “It is easy to see that you are dangerous,” emphasizing the severity of his crimes. The court also considered the impact statements from the victims, one of whom described the profound psychological damage inflicted upon her. She recounted how the abuse led her to self-harm, suffer from depression, and develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In light of the gravity of the offenses and the suffering caused, the judge decided to impose the maximum tariff available under the law, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed Roberts’ crimes. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Llanharry, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from such predatory individuals.