LESLEY HURLE FROM CWMBRAN SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN CWMBRAN

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Cwmbran, Leslie Hurle, aged 50 and residing on Fields Road, Oakfields, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 13 years after being found guilty of multiple serious charges related to the sexual abuse of three young girls. The court heard that Hurle was responsible for 15 counts of indecent assault, one count of rape, and one count of indecency with girls under the age of 15.

Judge Roderick Denyer, presiding over the case at Newport Crown Court, described the proceedings as among the most disturbing he had encountered in recent times. He emphasized the profound impact on the victims, stating, “This is one of the most unpleasant cases of its kind I have come across for a very long time. Anyone who saw one of the girls give evidence could not fail to realize how damaged she is. She lives with the consequences of your behaviour night and day and probably for the rest of her life.”

Judge Denyer condemned Hurle for exploiting and abusing vulnerable young girls who had the right to protection and safety. Despite initially pleading not guilty, Hurle’s lack of remorse was noted by the judge, who pointed out that he gained no credit for his plea and showed no signs of regret during the proceedings.

Prosecutor Caroline Rees detailed the extent of the abuse, revealing that Hurle’s offences spanned from 1993 to 1999. The crimes only came to light in July when the victims confided in the police, leading to the investigation and subsequent trial.

The court was presented with a disturbing account of Hurle’s actions, including leaving one girl crying after an indecent assault, forcing another to watch a pornographic film, and coercing her into performing an indecent act under threat of causing trouble. Ms. Rees explained that Hurle offered the girls rewards such as cigarettes, money, and alcohol to manipulate them, and at times, he forced one girl to expose her breasts.

Further allegations included Hurle making a second girl perform indecent acts on him and touch him, with her pleading for him to stop. The most severe charge involved Hurle raping this girl, which he allegedly concealed through the promise of rewards to keep her silent.

During the trial, Hurle’s defense attorney, Richard Twomlow, acknowledged that his client was aware of the long sentence he faced. Twomlow stated, “He knows he faces a long sentence. He tells me his life is in ruins. He denied these matters throughout.”

The court also considered Hurle’s criminal history, which included a previous conviction in 1974 for indecently assaulting a woman. Despite the extensive evidence, Hurle was acquitted by the jury of one charge of rape, one of indecency with a child, and one of indecent assault, following the judge’s direction.

As a result, Leslie Hurle was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his crimes committed in Cwmbran, a verdict that underscores the severity of his actions and the court’s stance on protecting vulnerable victims from such heinous abuse.