PAUL RUDWICK FROM MAESTEG SENTENCED IN CHICHESTER FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING YOUNG GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Paul Rudwick, a man originally from Maesteg, was convicted of serious sexual offenses against a young girl and subsequently sentenced to a lengthy prison term. The incident dates back to the early 2000s, with the court proceedings culminating in November 2007 at Chichester Crown Court.

Rudwick, who was 43 years old at the time of his conviction, had previously been involved in teaching and martial arts instruction at various locations, including schools and community centers. His criminal activities, however, came to light during a four-week trial, where the court heard disturbing details of his misconduct.

The jury found Rudwick guilty of multiple charges, including child rape, indecent assault, sexual activity with a minor, and assault causing actual bodily harm. These offenses were committed against a girl between March 2004, when she was just 13 years old, and April 2006. In addition to these grave charges, the jury also convicted him of two counts of intimidating a witness, further illustrating the extent of his misconduct and attempts to obstruct justice.

During the sentencing, the judge handed down a 14-year prison sentence for the rape charge, with additional jail terms for the other offenses to run concurrently. When the sentence was announced, Rudwick appeared visibly distressed, flushed, and seemed to have tears in his eyes. The victim’s family members, present in the courtroom, responded with cheers and applause, expressing relief and a sense of justice being served.

The court proceedings revealed that Rudwick had boasted about his sexual relationship with the young girl, and witnesses described him as an “aggressive and highly manipulative man.” The court also heard testimony from Ashley McLoud, who had witnessed some of the assaults and had been intimidated by Rudwick. McLoud had reported that Rudwick had threatened him to silence him about the incidents.

Rudwick denied the charges, claiming they were a “fantasy” and accused witnesses of conspiring against him out of revenge for his involvement in imprisoning a former friend of the victim. His background included teaching roles at institutions such as Davison High School in Worthing and Windlesham School near Ashington. He also conducted classes at Goring Methodist Church and Angmering Village Hall.

Following his release from prison in 2014, Rudwick relocated to Bognor Regis, but his criminal past remains a stark reminder of the serious allegations and convictions that have marked his life. The case continues to resonate within the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse.