ROBERT BATES FROM PONTYPOOL SENTENCED FOR DOUBLE RAPE IN COED-Y-PAEN

In a case that has shocked the community of Pontypool and the surrounding areas, Robert Bates, a 47-year-old resident of Long Owl Barn, Coed-y-Paen, was sentenced to a decade behind bars after being convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving two teenage girls. The incidents occurred during a gathering last year, where Bates took advantage of the girls while they were asleep, leading to a series of grave criminal acts that have left a lasting impact on the victims.

Details of the case emerged during a trial at Cardiff Crown Court, where a jury found Bates guilty of two counts of rape. The court was told that the assaults took place at a party, with Bates entering the bedrooms of the sleeping teenagers and committing the acts without their consent. The court heard that the first girl was in bed when Bates entered and raped her, an act that was described as particularly serious given the vulnerability of the victim.

Following this, Bates left the room and proceeded to the other girl’s bedroom, where he committed a similar assault. The judge presiding over the case, Judge Michael Burr, condemned Bates’ actions, emphasizing the gravity of the offences. He stated that Bates had taken advantage of the girls’ sleep and trust, and that such behaviour was completely unacceptable.

During the hearing, Tracey Lloyd-Nesling, representing Bates, argued that his actions appeared to be opportunistic rather than premeditated. She also pointed out that Bates posed a low risk of reoffending and that the victims had not sustained any physical injuries. However, the judge was clear in his condemnation, describing the offences as “serious” and highlighting the short time span over which they occurred.

Judge Burr remarked that Bates’ conduct was a grave breach of trust and that it was impossible to predict the long-term effects on the victims. As part of his sentence, Bates will serve five years in prison out of the ten-year sentence handed down. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender and is permanently disqualified from working with children, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the potential risk to society.