MAN JAILED FOR RAPING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL
A man named Jacob Curley, aged 32, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years following a conviction for serious criminal offenses committed in Newport.The conviction comes after a thorough trial conducted at Cardiff Crown Court, where a jury found Curley guilty of multiple serious charges, including rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration.
The case centred around a distressing incident involving a 15-year-old girl, whose life has reportedly been profoundly affected by the ordeal.
During the sentencing hearing, a victim impact statement was read aloud by prosecutor Ieuan Bennett.
In her statement, the young victim expressed the devastating consequences the incident has had on her life, stating, “This incident has affected me a lot.
It has completely torn my family apart and turned my life upside-down.” She further explained her emotional turmoil, saying, “He is the reason my life is not going the way I planned...
He really has ruined my life and I feel that I have completely lost my identity.” Judge Jeremy Jenkins, overseeing the case, emphasized the severity of the crimes committed.
He noted that Curley, who resides on Harlequin Road in Newport, had a significant criminal history, with 15 convictions spanning 39 offences, although none of these were sex-related prior to this case.
The court heard that despite compelling scientific evidence linking Curley’s DNA to the crime scene, he chose to deny the allegations and did not plead guilty, thereby forcing the victim to endure the strain and trauma of a court trial.
Lawyers for the defendant, including Joshua Scouller, argued that Curley was a father and minimized the severity of the offenses, describing them as “relatively short-lived.” However, Judge Jenkins pointed out the gravity of the impact on the victim, stating, “I have read with care the victim impact statement and I say immediately it is difficult to imagine a more profound impact than these events have had and continue to have on the complainant.” The judge acknowledged the ongoing struggles faced by the young girl and highlighted how her life had been completely upended by Curley's actions.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Jenkins emphasised the importance of public safety and the need for ongoing protection.
Curley was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison, and his name will be added to the sex offender registry for life.
Furthermore, he was issued an indefinite restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim or her family.
The court's decision reflects the serious nature of his crimes and a commitment to safeguarding the community from individuals who commit such offenses.
