HUW THOMAS AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CARDIFF AND PENARTH
Huw Thomas, a 72-year-old resident of Cardiff, has been convicted of serious sexual offences following a compelling trial held at Cardiff Crown Court.The case centered around an incident that occurred in 2020 in Penarth, where Thomas was found to have entered a woman's bedroom while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, leading to a disturbing assault.
According to court proceedings, Thomas visited a house in Penarth during the year 2020.
On that evening, he consumed alcohol and used recreational drugs, specifically cocaine and cannabis.
These substances appeared to have significantly impaired his judgment, according to the court's findings.
Subsequently, Thomas entered a bedroom where a young woman was sleeping.
He proceeded to sexually assault her while she was unconscious or asleep.
The victim reported that she woke up to find herself completely naked in bed with Thomas, who was touching her in a sexual manner.
The assault included touching her vagina, and it was later established that Thomas had, without her knowledge, digitally penetrated her.
The victim promptly contacted the police to report the attack.
Following her report, law enforcement officers arrested Thomas at the scene.
During police interviews, Thomas attempted to justify his actions by claiming that the victim was awake and had voluntarily participated in the sexual acts.
He insisted that she had instigated and consented to the encounters, a version of events that the court ultimately found not credible.
In his police interview, Thomas admitted to penetrating the victim with his fingers, but he maintained that she was aware of and agreeable to the acts at the time.
Despite his ongoing claims of innocence, he was formally charged with and found guilty of sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault.
In delivering the verdict, Recorder John Philpotts highlighted the gravity of the offences.
He stated: "The jury convicted you of two serious sexual offences against a young female.
You drank alcohol, took cocaine and smoked cannabis.
You entered a bedroom occupied by your victim.
She awoke to find you touching her vagina as she lay naked in bed.
You also, unbeknownst to her, digitally penetrated her.
She reported the matter to police, and you were arrested.
In your police interview, you claimed that what you had done was with her consent and instigated by her.
You maintained this narrative at trial, but the jury rejected it.
Your refusal to accept guilt is evident from the pre-sentence report." The court also considered Thomas’s criminal history, noting that he had prior convictions; however, these were unrelated to sexual offences.
His defense lawyer, Susan Ferrier, described him as a man viewed by acquaintances as "decent, honest, polite, helpful, and a man of conviction." She emphasized that at the time of the assault, Thomas was suffering from depression and recognized he had a significant drinking problem.
Ms.
Ferrier argued that Thomas believed the victim was awake and consenting, a belief the jury did not accept.
She described the offence as opportunistic and stated that her client is a "family man." Nevertheless, the court sentenced Thomas to a total of two years in prison.
Additionally, he was placed under sex offender notification requirements for a period of ten years, emphasizing the serious nature of his misconduct and the ongoing monitoring mandated by law.
