MITCHELL METHUEN FROM CWMBRAN JAILED FOR RAPE AND ASSAULT IN PONTYPOOL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Mitchell Methuen, a businessman from Churchwood Road, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, has been sentenced to six years in prison after a jury found him guilty of serious sexual and physical assault charges. The conviction was handed down following a trial at Newport Crown Court, where the court heard detailed accounts of the heinous acts committed by the defendant.

Prosecutor Suzanne Thomas presented compelling evidence to the jury, describing how Methuen, who operates MSM Partitioning Limited based in Pontypool, engaged in a pattern of sexual violence and physical abuse against a woman. The jury was informed that Methuen was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of assault by beating. Notably, he was acquitted of two additional rape charges, which indicates that the evidence did not support those allegations beyond reasonable doubt.

The victim, whose identity remains protected, provided a harrowing account during a recorded police interview conducted last year. She described how she was subjected to rape by Methuen and expressed feelings of being “used” and betrayed. She also recounted a physical attack in which Methuen headbutted her and grabbed her by the throat and chest, actions that left her feeling terrified and physically harmed. The police interview footage was played to the jury, which consisted of five men and seven women, to provide a clear understanding of the trauma she endured.

Throughout the trial, Methuen maintained his innocence, denying all six charges brought against him. His defense was led by barrister Andrew Taylor, who emphasized that his client was a successful businessman with a “fantastic reputation” in the community. Despite these claims, the jury found the evidence sufficient to convict him of the charges.

Following the verdict, Methuen, who has a prior record including two convictions for violence, was remanded in custody. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke delivered the sentence, stating that the severity of Methuen’s offending warranted an immediate custodial sentence. The judge also highlighted the seriousness of the crimes, which justified the six-year term. She ordered that Methuen will serve half of his sentence before being eligible for release on licence.

Additionally, the court mandated that Methuen register as a sex offender indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. Upon release, he will also be required to pay a victim surcharge, contributing to support services for victims of sexual violence. This case underscores the importance of justice for victims and the ongoing efforts to combat sexual violence within the community of Cwmbran and beyond.