MICHAEL TUSTIN FROM CARDIFF SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AND RAPE OF CHILD
A man from Cardiff, Michael Tustin, aged 33, was convicted of abusing and raping a young girl over a period of time, beginning before she was a teenager.Tustin frequently intoxicated his victim with Apple Sourz and recorded himself abusing her on multiple occasions.
The abuse caused her to feel she "wanted to die." The prosecution told Cardiff Crown Court that Tustin started the abuse early on, forcing the girl to drink alcohol until she was intoxicated.
The first incident left her confused after she fell asleep and woke up to find herself being sexually touched and later raped.
Prosecutor Clare Wilks explained that the victim, who has lifelong anonymity, blamed herself for the abuse.
She would often say Tustin apologized and promised to stop, but then would later tell her he "missed her," and the abuse would continue.
As time went on, the victim drank more alcohol to try to forget the incidents and withdrew from her family.
The abuse was only uncovered after she confided in her mother.
Following her disclosure, police were called.
Tustin was arrested and during interview claimed that it was the child who had initiated contact, denying he had engaged in sexual intercourse.
However, police found videos and images on his phone, including footage of him raping the girl and indecent images of other children.
Tustin, of Ninian Road, Roath, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including rape, sexual touching of a girl under 13, and possession of indecent images.
In her victim personal statement, the victim’s mother expressed how her daughter had become "a complete mess" and was struggling with sleep.
Once a high-achieving student with good attendance, her academic performance and mental health had deteriorated significantly.
Her mother added, "I am worried about her education and future.
She feels she doesn't want to live anymore and says she doesn't see the point in life.
She feels (the defendant) is there watching her and breathing on her.
She locks herself in her bedroom, has anxiety attacks, and feels like she wants to die." In mitigation, lawyer Ieuan Rees stated that Tustin had previously been of good character and held a responsible job.
He acknowledged that his actions had completely ruined his life and noted that Tustin had voluntarily sought help, reaching out to the Lucy Faithfull Foundation for support.
Judge David Wynn Morgan addressed Tustin directly after he became emotional in court, saying, "Sit up, the court does not feel sorry for you." He then emphasized the gravity of Tustin’s actions, stating, "You have created and caused severe psychological harm to the complainant....
You subjected her to this course of conduct, and her remarks in interview to the effect she feels guilty and believes she might have been able to stop it—that's not her responsibility, it’s yours." Tustin was sentenced to an extended term of 18 years in prison, comprising 12 years custodial and six years on license.
He will serve two-thirds of his custodial sentence before being eligible for parole.
