WAYNE TOWNS FROM LLANRWST SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDER-AGE GIRL IN NORTH WALES

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Llanrwst and the wider North Wales region, Wayne Towns, a 24-year-old man at the time of the incident, was sentenced to three years in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The incident, which took place in Llanrwst, involved Towns having unprotected sex with a girl who was under the age of consent, a crime that has prompted significant legal and social repercussions.

On Monday, November 12, at Mold Crown Court, Judge Philip Hughes delivered the verdict and imposed additional conditions alongside the custodial sentence. Towns was ordered to register as a sex offender with the police for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his future interactions with vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) was issued, placing restrictions on his conduct to prevent any further offenses.

During the court proceedings, it was acknowledged that Towns did not use violence during the offense. However, the judge emphasized that the act's gravity was not diminished by the fact that the girl appeared to have consented. Towns attempted to downplay the seriousness of his actions, claiming that the girl’s consent meant it was not his fault. Judge Hughes clarified that the law's primary purpose is to protect children who are not mature enough to understand or agree to sexual activity, underscoring the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation.

In setting the sentence, Judge Hughes explained that the typical starting point for such offenses is four years, with a range from three to seven years depending on circumstances. Given that the sexual activity was unprotected, the starting point was adjusted to five and a half years. However, considering mitigating factors, including Towns’ early guilty plea, the judge reduced the sentence to three years. The court also took into account the fact that Towns admitted to the offense, which influenced the final sentencing decision.

Prosecutor Matthew Dunford recounted that the police were contacted in May of the previous year after the victim’s mother reported that her daughter had been involved in a sexual encounter with Towns. Initially, the girl was reluctant to cooperate with authorities but later agreed to be interviewed in June 2011. During the interview, Towns admitted to having sex with the girl, fully aware of her underage status.

Defense lawyer Matthew Curtis highlighted that Towns was a carer for his mother and presented testimonials that painted a different picture of his character, suggesting he was not a typical offender. Despite this, it was clear that Towns understood the gravity of his actions and accepted that a custodial sentence was inevitable. The case has left a lasting impact on the Llanrwst community, raising ongoing concerns about safeguarding minors and the responsibilities of adults in positions of trust.