GARETH WAITE FROM CWMCARN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRL IN CARDIFF

In a case that has shocked the local community of Cwmcarn and the wider Cardiff area, Gareth Waite, aged 29, was sentenced to prison after admitting to engaging in a sexual act with a young girl. The incident, which took place in February 2011, involved Waite asking the underage victim to perform a sex act on him in exchange for alcohol, a proposition she accepted.

Waite, who resides on Newport Road in Cwmcarn, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to charges of sexual activity with a child. The court heard that the victim, a young girl, was with friends at the time and had been seeking older individuals to buy her alcohol. During the proceedings, the prosecuting barrister, Caroline Rees, detailed how Waite was approached by the girl and asked if he would buy her alcohol. In response, Waite allegedly told her that she would have to do something in return, specifically requesting that she perform a sex act. The girl agreed to this exchange, unaware of the full implications at the time.

It was established during the trial that Waite was aware the girl was underage at the time of the incident. The matter was eventually reported to the police, leading to Waite’s arrest. During police interviews, Waite initially denied any sexual activity had taken place, attempting to downplay the situation. However, the evidence against him was compelling enough to secure a conviction.

In mitigation, Waite’s defense lawyer, Andrew Jones, described the incident as a “terrible mistake” that not only Waite must live with but also his family. Despite this, the judge, Christopher Llewellyn-Jones, was unequivocal in his condemnation. He stated, “That type of behaviour, even with an adult, is disgusting,” and emphasized that engaging in such conduct with a person known to be underage was “not only disgusting, but seriously criminal.”

As part of his sentence, Gareth Waite was sentenced to 15 months in prison. Additionally, he was banned from working with children and vulnerable adults for life and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. The case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding minors and the serious consequences of exploiting their vulnerability in any context.