Aberdare Man Jailed for 16 Years for Sexual Abuse of a Boy

Mark Thompson, 39, from Aberdare, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexually abusing a boy over a two-year period, beginning when the boy was just eight years old.

The victim, who bravely disclosed the abuse in 2021 after keeping it a secret for over ten years, revealed that he knew the acts were wrong but was too afraid to tell anyone.

Following an investigation, Thompson was arrested and charged with a number of sexual offenses. He was subsequently found guilty at trial and sentenced on Friday, April 28th.

Detective Constable Emma Songhurst, who led the investigation, praised the victim and their family for their courage, stating: "Every child has a right to grow up free from fear and abuse, and I hope this case demonstrates our dedication and determination to pursue justice for anyone who has suffered like this."

Songhurst also encouraged any other victims of sexual abuse to come forward, regardless of how much time has passed, assuring them that their reports would be fully investigated and that they would receive full support.