Craig Hole, 61, of Cardiff, has been jailed for three years and 10 months after being found guilty of indecently assaulting a young and vulnerable girl on multiple occasions. The abuse began when the victim was just eight years old.
Victim speaks out decades later
A sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Wednesday heard that the victim contacted police decades after the abuse took place. Hole denied the offences but was found guilty following a trial.
The court was told that the defendant touched the victim on her naked vagina on at least two occasions and masturbated in front of her before trying to kiss her and putting his hand inside her underwear.
Impact statement read in court
In a victim personal statement read to the court by prosecutor Alex Greenwood, the victim said: "I was objectively considered extremely vulnerable and I certainly felt vulnerable... Craig Hole took advantage of an evidently vulnerable child. He completely destroyed my trust and took advantage of me in ways I can't comprehend. He took my innocence away from me..."
She added: "I was terrified, I felt Craig Hole had free reign to continue abusing me... I felt horrible at the time he was abusing me... I froze up and felt too scared and embarrassed to say anything... I felt helpless, I wanted to say something but just couldn't. Only now did I feel comfortable enough to come forward..."
The victim described how she had been a happy child, known by teachers as "the smiler", but became isolated, quiet and withdrawn. She said she had suicidal thoughts because of the abuse and has sought advice from doctors and mental health professionals. She said: "I will carry the mental scars for my entire life."
Sentencing and additional orders
Hole, of Lawrenny Avenue, Canton, has four previous convictions including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and child cruelty.
In mitigation, Andrew Davies said his client, a former member of the Armed Services and a decorator, maintains his innocence and cares for his wife who has mobility issues. The defence barrister said the defendant and his wife suffered the loss of six babies which had a "huge toll" on them.
Sentencing, Judge Celia Hughes said: "You assaulted a young and very vulnerable girl... You abused her repeatedly."
Hole was sentenced to three years and 10 months imprisonment. He was also made subject to a restraining order for 10 years and sex offender notification requirements indefinitely.
