ROY LOCKETT AND PETER AUSTIN SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN CARMARTHENSHIRE
A disturbing case of grooming and sexual abuse involving a father and son has come to light in Carmarthenshire, revealing a pattern of exploitation inflicted upon a vulnerable young girl.Roy Lockett, a 73-year-old pensioner from Pembrey Road, Llanelli, was found to have targeted the girl over a prolonged period, subjecting her to repeated sexual abuse.
The abuse was so severe that Lockett was accused of using a collection of sex toys during the assaults and taking indecent photographs of the victim.
His actions culminated in him 'handing her over as a prize' to his 42-year-old son, Peter Austin, a rugby coach, who then continued the abuse.
The court proceedings detailed the extent of the trauma inflicted upon the young girl, who was described as vulnerable and in need of protection.
The victim's statements, read aloud during the trial, painted a harrowing picture of her emotional and psychological suffering.
She described feeling 'worthless,' anxious, and depressed, with the abuse impacting her daily life, including her school performance, sleep, and eating habits.
The girl also expressed how difficult it was to testify in court, describing the process as 'scary' and 'embarrassing.' However, she found some relief when the jury returned guilty verdicts, stating that hearing the verdicts made her feel like she could 'breathe again.' The court heard that Roy Lockett, a widower, had previously been convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving children, including causing a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and making indecent photographs of a child.
He had pleaded guilty to some charges prior to the sentencing.
Peter Austin, also previously convicted at trial of five counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, appeared alongside his father in court.
Legal representatives for the defendants presented contrasting arguments.
Kate Williams, representing Lockett, acknowledged her client's remorse, citing health issues that could worsen with incarceration and suggesting that a custodial sentence would be particularly hard for him due to his age and health.
Conversely, Dyfed Thomas, representing Austin, maintained that his client maintained his innocence and argued that there was no evidence linking him directly to any misconduct related to his role as a rugby coach.
He described the abuse as 'isolated' and emphasized that it was unconnected to Austin's coaching duties.
Judge Paul Thomas KC delivered a stern verdict, emphasizing that both men had been fully aware of the victim's vulnerability and had exploited it.
The judge described how Lockett groomed the girl first, using items from his extensive collection of sex toys, and then 'handed her over' to his son, who continued the sexual abuse.
The judge also addressed Austin's role, noting that he was aware of his predilection for young girls but found no evidence that his misconduct was related to his coaching position.
The judge clarified that Austin had presented himself as a responsible member of society.
Both defendants were sentenced to significant prison terms—Lockett received eight and a half years, while Austin was sentenced to seven and a half years.
Additionally, both men will be registered sex offenders for life and are subject to indefinite sex harm prevention orders.
The court's decision underscores the severity of their crimes and the lasting impact on the victim, who expressed relief at the guilty verdicts but will carry the scars of her ordeal for years to come.
