A 44-year-old man who gave an underage schoolgirl vodka and coke before committing a sexual offence against her has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Timothy Purcell, of Victoria Street in Old Cwmbran, was found guilty of seven child sex offences after a trial. He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court, where it was heard that he has always denied the allegations and still does.
The offences
The convictions handed down by the jury included:
- Engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15
- Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 13 to 15
The court heard Purcell told the girl “you turn me on” before he exposed himself and began masturbating in front of her.
Judge’s remarks
Recorder Barry Clarke said Purcell’s refusal to accept what he had done was clear. He told him: “You continue to deny every offence.
“You have demonstrated no remorse and you have an absence of insight.”
Referring to the drink given to the girl, the judge added: “You used alcohol to facilitate one offence.”
Recorder Clarke also recognised the “considerable courage” the girl had shown throughout the case.
The victim’s statement
Ruth Smith, for the prosecution, read the girl’s personal statement to the court. In it, she spoke of suffering panic attacks and nightmares, and said: “I’m really nervous to be around a certain type of person, namely an older man.”
In mitigation
Purcell had no relevant previous convictions, and the court was told he has helped homeless people in his spare time.
Kate Roxburgh, defending, said: “He is loved by those around him, his family and friends.
“They describe him as an emotional, compassionate and hard-working man who wears his heart on his sleeve.”
Sentence and orders
Purcell will spend half of his eight-year term behind bars before being released on licence into the community. He was also given:
- A requirement to register as a sex offender for life
- A restraining order lasting 10 years
- A sexual harm prevention order lasting 10 years
