LEIGHTON NEWMAN PONTYPRIDD PAEDOPHILE BUSINESSMAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON GIRLS

In November 2014, Leighton Newman, a businessman from Pontypridd, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting two young girls. Newman, aged 46, was involved in selling school uniforms and coaching youth football, roles that allowed him access to vulnerable children. His criminal actions have shocked the local community and brought to light the disturbing abuse he committed under the guise of his professional and extracurricular activities.

One of Newman’s victims, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, endured severe emotional trauma following the assault. The young girl struggled to cope with the aftermath of her abuse, which was compounded by the court proceedings. Her distress was so profound that she attempted to end her life by jumping from a bathroom window, an act that underscored the devastating impact of Newman’s actions. The court heard that she was prescribed anti-depressants to help her manage her mental health during this difficult period.

Another victim also faced significant emotional difficulties, with her relationship with her family members being adversely affected. Her mother, in a victim impact statement read aloud in court, described her daughter as a once outgoing and enthusiastic child whose life was irreparably changed by Newman’s offending. The mother expressed relief that justice had finally been served, stating, “It has been a horrendous time for both families and I hope we can put it all behind us and move on.” The young girl herself described feeling “worthless” and plagued by questions such as “Why me? What did I do wrong?”

Throughout the trial, Newman maintained his innocence, denying all charges, which included making and possessing indecent photographs of a child, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and nine counts of sexual assault. He was found guilty of all charges except the one involving sexual activity in the presence of a child, following two separate trials at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

Prosecutor John Ryan highlighted the severity of Newman’s misconduct, emphasizing that Newman had sexually touched his victims both over and underneath their clothing. The court was informed that Newman’s residence was located at Park Prospect in Pontypridd, and that he had continued to deny his guilt despite overwhelming evidence.

In his defense, Lucy Crowther, Newman’s legal representative, pointed out that Newman had no prior convictions and acknowledged that mitigation could only influence the length of his sentence. The court also heard from individuals who knew Newman in other contexts, describing him as someone who had previously dedicated time to helping and encouraging others. Newman was a qualified football referee, a coach, and a director of Merlin Sports Ltd, a company based in Pontypridd that sold school uniforms, sportswear, and Scout and Guide uniforms.

Judge Richard Twomlow delivered the sentence, condemning Newman’s actions and their profound impact on the victims and their families. The judge stated, “You were sexually attracted to her [one victim] and were in the process of grooming her for further sexual excitement on your part. Your behavior has had a significant effect on your victims and their families. The girls both had to give evidence and be cross-examined twice.”

As part of his sentence, Newman was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and was subjected to two indefinite orders: a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and a restraining order. Additionally, he was required to pay a victim surcharge of £120. The court’s ruling aims to prevent any further harm and ensure public safety, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims.