DEWI THOMAS PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN PONTYBEREM AND CARMARTHEN

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Pontyberem and surrounding areas, Dewi Thomas, a 64-year-old former mental health nurse, was brought before Swansea Crown Court to face serious allegations of child sexual abuse. The court heard that Thomas had subjected two young girls, both under the age of 13, to a prolonged period of horrific abuse, which included inappropriate sexual acts and exploitation.

According to the prosecution, Ian Wright, the Crown's representative, detailed how Thomas would engage in acts of exposing himself to the young victims and coercing them into performing sexual acts on him. The abuse was not only physical but also manipulative, with Thomas reportedly paying the girls a mere £2.50 as a 'reward' for their participation in these acts. One of the victims was so distressed that she showed her mother the small amount of money she had received from Thomas, which she described as a reward for 'playing' with his genitals.

The court was informed that these acts of abuse took place over several months, causing significant trauma to the victims and their families. The emotional and psychological toll was evident, with one girl beginning to suffer from nightmares and tantrums, and expressing fears that Thomas might take her away. The mother of one of the girls described the entire experience as 'devastating' for her family, highlighting the profound impact of Thomas's actions.

During police interviews, Thomas denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence. Authorities seized a tablet computer from his residence in Heol y Banc, Bancffosfelen, Pontyberem, and discovered that he had searched for and viewed adult pornography, indicating a troubling pattern of deviant behavior. Despite his denials, Thomas later pleaded guilty to four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, admitting to the offences on the day of his trial after the victims had given evidence against him.

Judge Patrick Curran QC considered a pre-sentence report which concluded that Thomas posed a serious risk of harm to children unless he completed appropriate sex offender treatment programs. As a result, he was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison. Additionally, Thomas was subjected to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and lifetime registration as a sex offender. The court ordered that he serve half of his sentence in custody, with the remaining period to be served on licence in the community, under strict supervision to prevent any further harm.

This case underscores the devastating effects of child sexual abuse and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial measures to protect vulnerable children from predators like Dewi Thomas, whose actions have left lasting scars on his victims and their families.