PAUL DEFRAINE FROM MERTHYR TYDFIL SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN LOCAL COURT

In February 2019, a disturbing case unfolded in Merthyr Tydfil involving Paul Defraine, a 46-year-old man who was convicted of multiple heinous crimes against a young girl. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of grooming and sexual assault that shocked the local community and highlighted the dangers faced by vulnerable children.

Paul Defraine appeared before Merthyr Crown Court to face charges related to his abuse of a female minor under the age of 16. The court found him guilty of five counts of child rape, a verdict that underscored the severity of his actions. The case came to light after a series of disturbing events that involved Defraine's manipulative behavior and exploitation of a young girl from the area.

The incident began when Defraine, along with another male, invited a 15-year-old girl, who was still dressed in her school uniform, to a flat for what was described as a party. At that time, Defraine did not know the girl personally. However, he soon took steps to establish contact with her through social media, searching for her online in an attempt to groom her for future encounters. This grooming process was revealed during the trial, where it was disclosed that Defraine had sent sexually explicit messages and photographs to the girl, expressing his desire to engage in sexual activities with her.

During the initial communication, the girl disclosed her age and her school attendance, to which Defraine responded that he was comfortable with her being only 15. Despite her refusal to accept alcohol offered by Defraine during the grooming phase, the evidence showed that he continued to pursue her intentions. The victim's family later discovered the explicit messages and images on her phone, which had been sent by Defraine, a man in his 40s, further implicating him in the grooming and abuse.

In September 2018, Defraine was formally charged with eight counts of child rape. Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence, a stance that placed the burden of testimony on the young girl, forcing her to relive her traumatic experience as she provided evidence against him. The court heard how Defraine portrayed himself as a respected member of the community, claiming to be well-known for his acting in local theatre productions, including a role as 'Easy D' in the play 'The Wizard of Gurnwah.' He insisted that his interactions with the girl were innocent, claiming he had only invited her for a cup of tea and a chat because she appeared upset and tearful.

However, the jury was not convinced by his claims. After a three-day trial, they found Defraine guilty of five counts of child rape. The judge, Richard Twomlow, summarized the case in his final remarks, stating that Defraine had lied throughout the proceedings and showed no remorse for his actions. The judge emphasized that Defraine had exploited the child's vulnerability, causing irreparable harm to her and destroying his own reputation in the process.

As a result of his conviction, Defraine was sentenced to five years in prison. Additionally, he was subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. The court also made it clear that he would lose his flat and face significant barriers to employment, as well as being barred from having unsupervised contact with any children in the future. The case served as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks posed by individuals who exploit trust and manipulate vulnerable minors for their own gratification.