NICHOLAS ONOFRIO FROM MAESTEG ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE SEXUAL ABUSE OF 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN WEST SUSSEX

In a case that has sparked widespread controversy, Nicholas Onofrio, a 52-year-old man from Maesteg, was recently granted a lenient sentence despite being convicted of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl. The incident took place outside a roller disco event in Littlehampton, West Sussex, where Onofrio was serving as the DJ for the children's disco party.

According to court reports, the assault occurred when Onofrio, who is also known by the nickname DJ Nicko and manages a mobile phone shop, took advantage of a moment when he stepped outside for a cigarette. While the party continued inside, he approached the young girl and lured her into some nearby bushes. There, he proceeded to sexually assault her by fondling her breasts and inner thigh. The Royal Courts of Justice heard that during the assault, Onofrio made disturbing remarks about his intentions towards other girls, saying, “I can’t wait until all those girls in there are 16, because I want to **** them so hard.”

The girl managed to break free from his grasp and escape to safety, but the trauma of the incident was compounded by her subsequent social isolation. She confided in a schoolfriend a few days later, revealing what had happened. Unfortunately, her disclosure led to her being ostracized by some of her former close friends, which the court described as a devastating loss of her social bonds and support network. The judge noted that she had lost what many young women consider the most vital part of their adolescence—the close friendship of peers her age.

Despite the gravity of the offense, Onofrio maintained his innocence regarding any sexual activity with a minor during the trial at Lewes Crown Court. However, a jury found him guilty in May. The trial was held in East Sussex, but the sentencing took place in London, where the presiding judge, Mr. Justice Mackay, delivered his verdict.

Prior to sentencing, Onofrio underwent a probation assessment, which produced a troubling report. The report highlighted that he still posed a “high risk of serious harm to adolescent females,” a concern that the judge acknowledged. Nevertheless, the judge emphasized that the nature of the assault was not severe enough to warrant a custodial sentence, citing that the activity did not go beyond a low level of seriousness. As a result, Onofrio was sentenced to a community order, which includes 18 months of supervision and the requirement to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

Additionally, the court imposed a sexual offences prevention order, restricting him from having unsupervised contact with children unless with parental consent. The judge expressed his concern about the ongoing risk Onofrio presents to young girls, stating, “I am satisfied it is necessary to protect such persons from serious harm because it is the view of the writer of the pre-sentence report, and it is my view, that you present a high risk of such harm to adolescent girls.”

In leaving the court, Onofrio was seen shielding his face from photographers amid a group of supporters, some of whom displayed defiant gestures or smirks. The case has raised questions about the adequacy of sentencing in cases involving sexual offenses against minors, especially when the offender is deemed a high risk but receives a non-custodial punishment.