LUKE MALARZ, FROM NEWPORT, SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING YOUNG GIRLS IN CARDIFF

In July 2014, Luke Malarz, a 35-year-old married man from Amber Close, Newport, was convicted of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of children and subsequently jailed for three years. He was described by Cardiff Crown Court as 'every parent’s nightmare' after following two young schoolgirls around Fairwater, Cwmbran.

Malarz insisted he had done nothing wrong, but the jury found him guilty of planning and executing acts of a predatory nature. The court was told he would time his runs near school hours, knowing that children, particularly young girls, would be outside playing.

Judge Daniel Williams addressed Malarz during sentencing, saying: "You had been at work and went to your father’s house on the way back. You got into his furnished van and changed into your running kit, but your true intention was more sinister. You had previously run in that area, including on the estate in Fairwater. You knew that just after school hours, children, especially young girls, would be present."

The court heard that Malarz followed one girl, waiting outside until she and another child, aged nine and ten respectively, appeared. The judge added: "There is a predatory element to this and it was premeditated. You followed them, exposed one of your buttocks as you wandered around, no doubt deriving a thrill from it, anticipating they would head towards a subway."

It was also alleged that Malarz stopped to urinate, then turned toward the girls with his shorts down, performing a sex act. Further, he invited one of the girls to visit him. Judge Williams expressed concern, stating: "The court shudders to think what you might have done had she agreed – you had a furnished van nearby."

He concluded by describing Malarz as having a 'deep-seated interest in young girls' and declared him 'every parent’s nightmare.'

Malarz, who has prior convictions from 2000 for indecent exposure and from 2006 for violence, was ordered to serve a custodial sentence. A Sexual Offences Prevention Order will restrict his activities upon release, and he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

His defence lawyer, Matthew Roberts, remarked that there were no threats or demands made on the girls but acknowledged that Malarz has issues that require addressing. He noted that Malarz’s relationship with his wife had ended as a result of these events, but he is supported by his sister, with whom he has been living while on bail and plans to return to after his release.