BRIDGEND AND MERTHYR TYDFIL PUB LANDLORD STEPHEN REES JAILED FOR SEX ATTACKS ON TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil, Stephen Rees, a 45-year-old pub landlord, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison following his conviction for multiple sexual offenses involving a teenage girl. The incident took place at his pub, the Oyster Catcher, located in Bridgend, South Wales, where Rees was known to frequent both as a proprietor and a regular patron.

The court heard that Rees paid the young girl for a head massage, an act that initially appeared innocent but soon took a disturbing turn. Prosecutor Jonathan Austin detailed that after the girl agreed to massage Rees's head, he indecently assaulted her. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Rees accused the girl’s mother of being “sick” when she confronted him about his inappropriate behavior. The girl’s mother, concerned about her daughter’s wellbeing, challenged Rees directly, which led to a tense exchange.

According to the court, the girl recounted an incident where Rees asked her to massage his head and offered her money in exchange. However, the situation escalated when, during the massage, Rees fondled her breasts without her consent. These actions constituted serious sexual offenses, which Rees did not deny.

In addition to the sexual assault charges, Rees admitted to stealing money from a regular customer at his pub. The victim, David Hughes, had entrusted Rees with the responsibility of safeguarding his cash in the pub’s safe. However, after the allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, Hughes became suspicious and requested to check the safe. It was then that he discovered his envelope containing money was missing. Rees, who now resides in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, confessed to eight counts of indecent assault and theft of the money.

Judge John Griffith Williams QC, presiding over the case, ordered Rees to register as a sex offender for life and imposed a ban on him working with children, reflecting the severity of his crimes. The sentencing underscores the gravity of the offenses committed by Rees and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse in community settings.