THOMAS DIXON PONTYPOOL SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION IN PONTNEWYNYDD

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Pontypool community, Thomas Dixon, aged 34, has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place in the Pontnewynydd area of Pontypool on the evening of June 19, and Dixon’s criminal history, which includes previous convictions for sexual offences, played a significant role in the court’s sentencing decision.

According to court proceedings, Dixon, who resides on Elmhurst Close in Trevethin, Pontypool, was involved in what was described as a 'drink-fuelled episode of madness.' His lawyer, Leighton Hughes, acknowledged this erratic behaviour but emphasized that Dixon had no prior history of targeting individuals in such a manner. Prosecutor Matthew Roberts detailed the events leading up to Dixon’s arrest, stating that at approximately 8:40 pm, the young girl was in the vicinity of Pontnewynydd, playing with friends. As her friends cycled away, she was left alone and was sitting on the steps of the British Legion Club on Hospital Road.

It was at this point that Dixon, who had been drinking, approached her. He asked her for her name and age, and then, in a manner described as 'significantly inappropriate,' he inquired if she wanted to go to his flat. The girl, who described Dixon as 'weird' and smelled of alcohol, was reportedly uncomfortable with his advances. When she tried to pull away after he grabbed her right arm, Dixon persisted, and the situation escalated. Witnesses later saw Dixon jumping over a barbed wire fence in a nearby lane, injuring himself in the process.

The girl confided in her mother about the incident, visibly distressed and crying, saying, 'Someone had tried to take her.' Dixon was subsequently arrested at the scene, with police noting that he had an injured hand and torn jeans. During questioning, Dixon claimed that he had simply said goodnight to an unknown girl on his way home and denied any attempt to grab or abduct the young girl.

His lawyer, Mr. Hughes, argued that Dixon had not targeted anyone before and that his bizarre behaviour was unexplainable. He also admitted that there were 'sexual undertones' to Dixon’s actions. However, the court was not convinced by these arguments. Judge Philip Richards expressed serious concern about Dixon’s criminal record, warning that if he continued on this path, he risked spending the rest of his life behind bars. The judge highlighted the troubling pattern of Dixon’s behaviour, noting that he had approached a vulnerable 14-year-old girl, engaged her in inappropriate conversation, and physically grabbed her, suggesting a sexual motive.

As part of his sentence, Dixon was ordered to be on licence for eight years and to register as a sex offender for life upon his release. Additionally, he was permanently banned from working with children. The case underscores the ongoing issues of sexual predation and the importance of community vigilance in Pontypool and surrounding areas.