GARETH FRENCH FROM ABERDARE SENTENCED AFTER BRUTAL KNIFE ATTACK ON TEENAGER IN MERTHYR TYDFIL

In a disturbing incident that shocked the community, Gareth French, a 47-year-old man from Heol-y-Mynydd, Aberdare, was convicted and sentenced for a violent and random stabbing attack that left a teenage boy seriously injured. The assault took place in the streets of Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday, February 18, and has since garnered significant media attention due to the nature of the attack and French’s criminal history.

According to court proceedings, the victim, a 17-year-old boy whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, sustained multiple stab wounds to the stomach during the unprovoked assault. Despite the severity of his injuries, the teenager managed to summon emergency services, demonstrating remarkable resilience amid the chaos. Medical teams responded swiftly, providing necessary surgical interventions to treat his wounds and stabilize his condition.

Prosecutor John Ryan outlined the events leading up to the attack, revealing that the violence was triggered after French was confronted by a girl’s father. The confrontation arose following revelations from the girl, who also cannot be named, that French had been abusing her. The girl confided in her grandmother about the abuse, explaining that she had kept silent out of fear of punishment and threats from French. She disclosed that French had threatened to kill her or harm her family if she revealed his actions.

The young girl, only 12 years old, further revealed that French had been sexually abusing her over a period of time. She recounted that French would take her to his flat under the pretense of caring for his pets, but instead subjected her to sexual abuse. She described how French would play pornographic films and use his kittens as a distraction during these disturbing incidents. The girl also reported that French made inappropriate and suggestive remarks, urging her to come to his flat and warning her not to tell anyone, claiming she would suffer if she did.

Following the confrontation with the girl’s father, French, in a state of agitation, armed himself with a bread knife. He claimed he was taking the knife to his father’s house to prepare food. However, instead of going to his father’s, French engaged in a violent street attack, stabbing the visiting teenager three times in a random act of violence. During the police arrest, French called emergency services himself, expressing concern that he might have killed someone. When questioned by officers, he asked, “Is he dead? I stabbed him three times,” indicating his awareness of the severity of his actions.

The court heard that the teenage victim was profoundly affected by the attack, both physically and emotionally. The incident has left a lasting impact on his life, and the community continues to grapple with the shock of such a violent act occurring in their neighborhood.

French’s criminal record includes serious offenses, notably his previous convictions for sexual activity with a child and causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual acts. His latest actions prompted a swift judicial response. Judge John Curran sentenced French to 12 years in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his assault and sexual offenses. Additionally, French was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was disqualified from working with children, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals in the community of Aberdare and beyond.