MICHAEL WILLIAM GEORGE VERNON SENTENCED IN SWANSEA FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the Swansea community, Michael William George Vernon, aged 27, was sentenced to a year in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl from Swansea Valley. The incident took place on November 3, and Vernon appeared before Judge Gerald Price at Swansea Crown Court to face the charges.

Prosecutor Dean Pulling detailed the events leading up to the arrest, explaining that at the time of the incident, the girl was downstairs in her home with Vernon, while her older sister was upstairs watching television. During this time, the girl initiated a sexual act on Vernon, who responded by touching her private parts. Mr. Pulling emphasized that Vernon was aware of the girl’s allegations that her stepfather had previously raped her, which added a layer of complexity and concern to the case.

According to the prosecution, the girl’s elder sister unexpectedly walked in on the scene and witnessed what was happening. After the girl confided in her sister, the police were promptly called to the scene. When Vernon was arrested, he expressed remorse, stating, “I know what I did was wrong.”

Vernon’s legal representative, Dyfed Thomas, argued that the sexual contact was consensual, but acknowledged that Vernon, as the adult, should have exercised better judgment and not allowed the situation to occur. The court was informed that Vernon resides in Mayhill, Swansea.

Judge Price addressed Vernon directly, highlighting the significant age difference between him and the young girl. The judge pointed out that young girls often need protection from themselves and that Vernon’s actions were a serious breach of trust and responsibility. As part of his sentence, Vernon was not only sentenced to 12 months in prison but also banned from working with children in the future. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender with the police for the next ten years, a measure designed to monitor and prevent any further offenses.

This case underscores the ongoing concerns about safeguarding minors and the importance of strict legal consequences for those who violate their trust in such vulnerable situations.