MARK LEWIS AND SHOCKING CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BRIDGEND
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bridgend, Mark Lewis, aged 44, was convicted of sexually abusing a young girl and possessing indecent images of children.The incident took place in Bridgend, where Lewis took advantage of his young victim during what was supposed to be a benign massage session.
According to court proceedings, Lewis began by rubbing the girl’s back, but the situation quickly escalated as he removed her underwear and inappropriately touched her on her vagina and buttocks.
The victim, who bravely testified at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, described the assault, stating: "When your hand is there for five to 10 minutes it can't be a mistake." Her words underscored the severity and deliberate nature of the abuse.
The police arrested Lewis in 2021, during which they seized his mobile phone.
A thorough examination of the device uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images of children, categorized into different levels of severity—categories A, B, and C.
During the investigation, Lewis attempted to shift blame onto others, claiming that three individuals were responsible for the images.
He specifically pointed to a friend who had sold him the phone, asserting that the images were already present when he acquired the device.
Despite his claims, Lewis was found guilty of multiple charges, including engaging in sexual activity with a child and possessing indecent images of minors.
The case proceeded to a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, where Lewis maintained his innocence throughout.
His defense, led by barrister Marian Lewis, acknowledged that there was limited mitigation to offer.
She described the assault as an "isolated incident" and emphasized that it was not a penetrative act.
Marian Lewis also highlighted that her client had led a "blameless life" prior to these events, including service in the Armed Forces, and had recently been suffering from mental health issues such as depression and PTSD.
Judge Jeremy Jenkins delivered the sentence, condemning Lewis for the cruelty of his actions.
He stated that Lewis had assaulted the victim in "the most cruel way" and criticized his denial of responsibility regarding the indecent images.
The judge pointed out that Lewis had attempted to blame another man who had shown him kindness by allowing him to stay at his home after his arrest.
This man had supplied the phone, but the court made it clear that he was not responsible for the content stored on it.
The judge emphasized that Lewis had shown no remorse and had refused to accept responsibility for his actions.
As a result, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Additionally, Lewis was subjected to sex offender notification requirements and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will remain in effect for five years, to protect the community from further harm.
