PETER GRIFFITHS ABERDARE SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED AFTER ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
In a case that has shocked the community of Aberdare, Peter Griffiths, aged 55, faced the courts after admitting to the indecent assault of a young boy during the mid-1990s.The incident, which remained undisclosed for many years, only came to light following a separate investigation conducted by an ambulance trust, which had initially looked into an unrelated matter involving Griffiths and someone under his care when he was working as a paramedic eight years ago.
According to court proceedings, Griffiths, residing on Herbert Street in Aberdare, confessed to the assault, which involved allowing the young boy to visit his home to watch pornographic DVDs.
The court heard that during one such visit, Griffiths walked in on the boy engaged in a solitary sexual act.
The court was told that Griffiths made a disturbing comment suggesting that things might be better if a girl was involved before he performed a sexual act on the boy.
Prosecutor David Elias detailed the incident, stating, “The boy did not like that and curled up into a ball and told him to get off.” The court was informed that the entire incident lasted approximately five seconds before Griffiths immediately ceased his actions.
Further investigation into Griffiths’ past was revealed during the hearing.
Mr.
Elias explained that an earlier inquiry, which did not lead to criminal charges, was conducted by the ambulance trust into an incident involving Griffiths and someone under his care.
This investigation was separate from the recent revelations and had not resulted in criminal proceedings at the time.
It was also disclosed that Griffiths had made a conscious decision to turn himself in to the police in September 2014 after the incident came to light.
However, the court was told that there are indications he may have attempted to take his own life around that time, as he was admitted to hospital following what appeared to be a suicide attempt.
Throughout the proceedings, it was emphasized that Griffiths has no previous criminal convictions.
The court heard that his troubled and abusive background had contributed to confusion regarding his own sexuality, which may have played a role in his actions.
Judge Patrick Curran QC sentenced Griffiths to a three-year community order, which includes supervision and participation in a sex offender rehabilitation program.
Additionally, Griffiths is required to register as a sex offender for the next seven years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community of Aberdare from any potential risk.
