MATHEW AND SAMUEL PARKES FROM CARLISLE AND LLANDUDNO JAILED FOR DEPRAVED SEX OFFENCES IN FLINTSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Flintshire, two brothers, Mathew Parkes and Samuel Parkes, have been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed during their teenage years. The court proceedings, held at Mold Crown Court, revealed disturbing details about their past actions and the profound impact on their victims.

Mathew Parkes, aged 28 and currently residing in Lon y Ffrith, Llandudno, was handed a sentence of seven and a half years after he pleaded guilty to multiple serious sexual offences involving four different children. His crimes spanned a period when he was between 13 and 16 years old, and included indecency and rape against one girl, indecent assault and rape of another girl, indecent assault on a third girl, and indecent assault and rape of a young boy. The court heard that his actions were particularly depraved, and Judge Rhys Rowlands emphasized that there was no justification for such behaviour.

Samuel Parkes, aged 31 and now living at Edward Street in Carlisle, received a sentence of 45 months after admitting to the indecent assault and rape of a very young girl when he was just 15 years old. His case was also described as involving serious misconduct, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Samuel, who has since pursued a career in the performing arts, was described as having a troubled childhood, with his defense highlighting his attendance at college for a performing arts degree and a subsequent three-year music and drama course in Carlisle. His legal representative, Andrew Scott, explained that Samuel and his partner had been planning to marry but had postponed their wedding until after the legal proceedings concluded. The defense suggested that his past actions were a consequence of his own difficult upbringing.

During the sentencing, Judge Rhys Rowlands acknowledged the significant delay in bringing the case to court and considered the ages of the defendants at the time of the offences. However, he pointed out that the victims continue to suffer the consequences of the brothers’ actions, while the brothers have been able to move on with their lives. The judge highlighted the lasting trauma inflicted on the victims, with one survivor reading an impact statement describing nightmares, flashbacks, trust issues, depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. Another victim revealed she had attempted suicide at a young age, feeling vulnerable and scared, and resorted to self-harm as a result of her experiences.

The court also heard from the defense teams. Andrew Scott, representing Samuel Parkes, emphasized his client’s difficult childhood and his efforts to rebuild his life through education and a career in the arts. Simon Killeen, defending Mathew Parkes, noted that his client was only 16 or 17 at the time of some offences and had made admissions to police that extended beyond the initial allegations, which contributed to the charges against him.

Both brothers were ordered to register as sex offenders for life, marking a stark conclusion to a case that has left a lasting scar on the victims and the communities involved. The court’s decision underscores the severity of their crimes and the enduring impact on those they harmed.