ROBERT WAGSTAFF FROM BRYNCETHIN JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES NEAR BRIDGEND AND BETTWS

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Bryncethin, Bettws, and Bridgend, Robert Wagstaff, aged 40, has been sentenced to a minimum of four years in prison after admitting to multiple serious sexual offences involving a young girl. Wagstaff, who now resides in Bettws, just yards away from a school and childcare facilities, was previously living in Bryncethin at the time of his crimes.

Wagstaff's criminal history is deeply troubling. He was convicted in 1984 of indecent assault after luring two six-year-old boys to a disused railway track, where he, then only 15 years old, exposed himself and touched the children. Despite this past conviction, Wagstaff was permitted to work as a taxi driver, a decision that has now come under intense scrutiny.

In 2003, Wagstaff secured employment with Munro’s Taxis and Minibus Hire, based in Aberkenfig. The company discovered his previous convictions through routine criminal record checks, yet Wagstaff was allowed to continue working, including transporting children to and from school regularly. The Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) confirmed that Wagstaff was CRB-checked before being granted a taxi driver’s license in October 2002. The check revealed his spent convictions, which led to the case being referred to the licensing sub-committee.

The licensing authorities reviewed his criminal record and, despite the serious nature of his past offences, granted him a short-term license. This license was renewed annually without any complaints or reports of misconduct during his time as a taxi driver. However, following Wagstaff’s arrest and the court proceedings, his license was immediately suspended pending the outcome of the case.

Tragically, the abuse of the young girl, who was only 10 years old at the time, began in February 2007 while Wagstaff was working as a taxi driver. He reportedly met with her once a week and had offered her money on several occasions. The abuse only came to light in February of this year when the girl confided in a school counsellor about her experiences.

During the court hearing, the prosecution, led by Ieuan Bennett, detailed the extent of Wagstaff’s crimes. Wagstaff admitted to two counts of rape, five counts of sexual assault, and three counts of inciting sexual activity with a child. His defense, represented by Owen Williams, stated that Wagstaff had acknowledged his offences early on and was eager to undergo treatment to address his behaviour.

Judge David Wynn-Morgan delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Wagstaff’s actions. He stated, “The fact that you have committed offences of this gravity leads me to the conclusion that there is a significant risk to the public of serious sexual harm caused by your committing further offences.” The judge ordered Wagstaff to serve at least four years before being eligible for parole. Upon release, Wagstaff will be subject to lifelong licensing restrictions, including a ban on unsupervised contact with children, attending playgrounds, and driving vehicles with child or female passengers in the public sector.

Wagstaff’s criminal record also includes a familial connection to Kelvin Wagstaff, a convicted paedophile. Kelvin, of Davis Avenue, Bryncethin, was jailed for at least 12 months last March after admitting to exposing himself to a seven-year-old girl and a 10-year-old girl in Porthcawl. Kelvin was also placed on a lifelong license, with the condition that he must demonstrate he no longer poses a risk to the public before being considered for release. Last year, Kelvin made headlines again when a judge relaxed his bail curfew to allow him to marry and spend nights at a luxury hotel, further highlighting the ongoing concerns surrounding his case.