HORRIFIC SEX OFFENDER MALCOLM VICKERY FROM NEWPORT AND RISCA SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF ABUSE

In a chilling case that has shocked the communities of Newport and Risca, Malcolm Vickery, a 72-year-old man, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed during the 1970s and 1980s. The court heard harrowing details of his abuse against two victims, one a young girl and the other a teenager, which spanned over a decade and left deep scars that persist to this day.

Vickery, who was formerly residing in Newport but is now living on St Mary Street in Risca, was convicted by a jury last month after a lengthy trial. The jury found him guilty of six counts of rape, three counts of attempted rape, five counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. Despite these convictions, he was acquitted of three additional rapes, seven indecent assaults, three sexual assaults, and one charge of indecency with a child related to two separate complainants. The court was told that Vickery’s actions were both “dreadful” and “appalling,” leaving victims traumatized and fearful for decades.

One of the victims, who was just a young girl at the time of the abuse, delivered an emotional impact statement that was read aloud by prosecutor Caroline Rees QC. She recounted how the abuse had profoundly affected her life, stating, “I have lived with the effect of what that monster did to me. I have spent the last 40 years living in fear of him. He took my childhood and my womanhood.” Her words underscored the long-lasting damage inflicted by Vickery’s actions.

The second victim, who was assaulted as a teenager, also provided a powerful statement. She described how Vickery degraded her for his own satisfaction, revealing that he had no moral compass. She recounted that after raping her, Vickery threatened to bury her in the garden if she told anyone, and further shocked the court by describing how he used a “Lassie-style dog” to carry out a disturbing sex attack on her. Her statement highlighted the cruelty and manipulation involved in his crimes.

During the sentencing hearing, defense counsel David Elias QC urged the court to consider Vickery’s age and his ongoing health issues, which include heart disease and diabetes. The judge, Rhys Rowlands, responded sternly, condemning Vickery’s actions and character. He stated, “Both victims were subjected to the most appalling depravity by you. I have seen no evidence of any remorse on your part – you sought to prolong matters by standing trial.” The judge emphasized that Vickery believed he had escaped justice, but that the law had finally caught up with him.

Judge Rowlands also noted Vickery’s significant health problems, which could impact his time in custody. He mentioned that it would be up to the Home Secretary to decide if Vickery might be released on compassionate grounds, given his medical condition. The judge concluded by condemning Vickery as “a wholly inadequate individual with a distorted view of life,” and emphasized that he must now face the consequences of his actions.

In the courtroom, Vickery was led away after the sentence was passed, and as he was taken to the cells, one of his victims expressed her feelings directly, saying, “I hope you die.” The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of Newport and Risca, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse and the need for vigilance against such heinous crimes.