STEPHEN FORD FROM NEWPORT JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT NEWPORT CENTRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Newport, Stephen Ford, a 48-year-old man with no prior criminal record, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for his involvement in a disturbing sexual incident that took place at the Newport Centre. Ford, who was described by his legal counsel as a respected member of the community and a man who had 'suffered a moment’s weakness of the flesh,' pleaded guilty to charges related to inappropriate conduct involving a young girl aged just 13.

During the hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Philip Richards condemned Ford’s actions, stating, "You behaved in a wholly inappropriate way to this young girl. I’m quite prepared to accept she said things to you which were inappropriate. But the fact she made amorous advances to you in no way justifies what you did. Your reaction to that causes the court considerable concern." The judge further described Ford’s behaviour as 'wicked,' emphasizing the seriousness of the misconduct.

According to the prosecution, led by Stephen Hughes, the incident occurred on July 30 at the Newport Centre swimming pool. It was reported that the young girl kissed Ford, who resides in Gwaun Newydd, Caerphilly. Following the kiss, Ford reportedly swam away and, on his way to the changing rooms, made a disturbing comment to the girl, saying he 'didn’t want to end up behind bars and be labelled a paedophile.'

The court heard that the pair later entered a shower cubicle within the pool area, where Ford engaged in an indecent act on himself. The incident was witnessed by pool attendants who saw the girl and Ford together, and subsequent complaints from the public prompted police involvement. When authorities arrived, they found Ford and the girl inside the shower cubicle.

Ford’s legal representative, Mr. Peter Davies, argued that the girl had led Ford by the wrist into the cubicle, but insisted that Ford was overwhelmed by a moment of weakness and should have exercised better judgment. He emphasized that there was no physical contact involved in the incident, stating, "There was no actual physical touching."

Mr. Davies also highlighted Ford’s background, mentioning his service in the military reserve and his work with Oxfam, suggesting that he was not a man of malicious intent. He added that Ford’s marriage was now under threat and that he had left his home, indicating the personal toll the incident had taken on his life. "He’s not a man in a dirty mac," Mr. Davies remarked, underscoring that Ford was an ordinary man who had made a grave mistake.

As part of his sentence, Ford was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years upon his release. Additionally, he was disqualified from working with children for life, reflecting the court’s stance on the severity of his actions and the need to protect the community from potential future harm.