MICHAEL WHILDING'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN ST ATHAN: VICTIM'S PAINFUL TESTIMONY AND 16-YEAR SENTENCE

In April 2021, a disturbing case unfolded in Cardiff Crown Court involving Michael Whilding, a 65-year-old man from Mallory Close, St Athan, who was convicted of a prolonged and heinous campaign of sexual abuse against a young girl. The court heard that Whilding subjected his victim to a series of sexual assaults over a span of eight years, beginning when she was only six years old. The severity and duration of his crimes were detailed during the trial, which took place in March, leading to a conviction on multiple counts.

Whilding faced a total of 35 charges, including two counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child. Throughout the proceedings, he maintained his innocence, denying all allegations brought against him. However, the evidence presented was overwhelming, and the court found him guilty of all charges.

Part of the evidence involved allegations related to a second victim, where Whilding was accused of exposing his penis and instructing her to lift her skirt so he could 'look at her.' These acts of indecency were accompanied by threats, as it was revealed that Whilding repeatedly warned the girl against reporting his actions, ominously telling her what might happen if she did.

During the trial, an emotional victim personal statement was read aloud in court. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described how her childhood was irreparably damaged by the abuse she endured. She recounted being raped, forced to watch pornography, and compelled to perform sexual acts on Whilding. Her testimony painted a harrowing picture of a life overshadowed by trauma, with her diagnosed with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She continues to suffer from nightmares and flashbacks, which serve as painful reminders of her past.

Her Honour Judge Nicola Jones addressed the court, emphasizing the lasting impact of Whilding’s actions. She described his conduct as a 'campaign of sexual abuse and sexual violence' that had left a 'long-lasting and significant ongoing effect' on his victims. The judge sentenced Whilding to 16 years in prison, with an additional one-year license period. She clarified that he must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in custody before being eligible for parole consideration.

The victim’s statement further depicted Whilding as a 'predator' who had 'preyed' upon her innocence. She expressed her feelings of worthlessness, stating, 'He made me feel dirty and worthless, like I was just there to get his sick kicks.' Her words conveyed the deep psychological scars left by his abuse, including her feelings of despair and hopelessness. She revealed that she had contemplated ending her life, wishing she could make the pain stop, and described her ongoing struggles with anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and nightmares.

It was also revealed that Whilding had a prior conviction from 1999, when he was placed on the sexual offenders register for five years after being sentenced for indecent assault of a female and gross indecency with a child. During the sentencing hearing, mitigation was presented in the form of a letter from Whilding’s wife, Muriel, who had been with him since she was 16 and he was 17. She expressed her devotion, stating, 'There has never been anyone else for either of us,' and expressed her concern about how she would manage without him, highlighting the personal toll of his incarceration.