Llandudno Man Jailed for Child Abuse After Years on Run

A 71-year-old Llandudno man has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after admitting to sexually abusing a young boy and absconding for nine years. 📋

Gareth Wyn Lewis of St George’s Crescent failed to appear for his trial at Mold Crown Court in 2016, only to be prosecuted this year when he finally admitted his guilt.

His Honour Timothy Petts, who had been due to preside over the original trial, sentenced Lewis today for three specimen offences of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, plus an additional charge for absconding.

The court heard that Lewis committed the offences in his van whilst driving or after pulling over. He would later take the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to a toy shop.

Prosecutor David Mainstone told the court the victim later became angry about the abuse and experienced problems at school. Lewis sent two letters to the boy’s mother apologising and confessing to his “shame and guilt”.

In a powerful statement, the now-adult victim addressed his abuser directly: “Today you have lost all power over me. I deserve to be a happy person.”

The court also heard that Lewis had previously given an “alias date of birth” to police.

Defence counsel Duncan Bould said Lewis has not committed any offences while “at large” and has been caring for his “ailing partner” despite being “ailing” himself.

Judge Petts told the defendant: “What you did to (the victim) has had a lasting effect. It’s compounded by your cowardly decision to go on the run rather than put yourself through the ordeal of a trial.”

The judge noted Lewis had been evasive, failed to take responsibility and shown only “superficial regret and remorse”, but explained he was bound by more lenient guidelines from when the crimes took place.

Lewis received consecutive 17-month sentences for two counts of inciting a boy under 14 to commit gross indecency, with a third similar count to run concurrently. He received an additional eight months for absconding.

The judge also imposed a lifetime restraining order and sexual offence notification requirement.

North Wales Police declined to issue a custody image of the defendant.