NIGEL YATES AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CHILD IN CARDIGAN AND LLANGRANNOG

A man identified as Nigel Yates has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a disturbing case of sexual assault against a young girl. The assault took place on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022, in the seaside village of Llangrannog, not far from Cardigan, a location known for its tranquil coastal scenery.

Yates, 57 years old and a resident of Maes Y Coed in Llechryd, near Cardigan, appeared at Swansea Crown Court to face the charges after initially admitting to three counts of sexually assaulting a child. The offences were committed against a 10-year-old girl, and the case drew significant attention due to the serious nature of the crimes.

Prosecutor Helen Randall detailed that the young girl had kept the abuse a secret initially, only revealing what had happened when she was told they would be visiting the defendant’s house. This revelation underscored the traumatic impact of Yates’s actions, which directly affected a vulnerable child.

During court proceedings, the victim’s mother provided a heartfelt statement, expressing her ongoing shock and distress: “I’m still very much in shock about what’s happened.” The mother also remarked that despite her daughter trying to appear strong and resilient, it was evident that she had been emotionally impacted by the abuse.

In attempts to defend himself, Yates denied all allegations during an interview, even making disparaging comments about the victim. However, he ultimately pleaded guilty during a plea and trial preparation hearing, acknowledging the seriousness of the crimes.

Further complicating the case is Yates's criminal history. The court was made aware of four previous convictions involving five offences, including two counts of indecent assault on children in 2001, and the production of indecent images of children, along with failing to comply with notification requirements, all in 2015. It was noted that Yates had often refused to disclose his prior convictions to others, which could have implications for his current sentencing.

Defence lawyer David Singh acknowledged the gravity of Yates’s crimes, emphasizing that although their seriousness was undeniable and exacerbated by his criminal record, Yates’s guilty plea was a positive factor. Singh also highlighted that Yates had been battling alcohol abuse for many years and expressed hope that he would work with the probation service to receive targeted assistance to address his issues.

Addressing Yates directly, Judge Huw Rees commented critically on his unhealthy and disturbing interest in young girls, noting that such patterns had persisted over many years. The judge sentenced Yates to 42 months in prison, with each of the three offences running concurrently. Additionally, Yates was subjected to a restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order, both set for a duration of ten years.

Furthermore, Yates was mandated to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. This case highlights the severity of crimes involving sexual assault against minors and the justice system’s response in safeguarding vulnerable children against predators.