Last Updated: November 8, 2024
Shannon Leigh Newth (Image: South Wales Police)
A 38-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexually assaulting a young child in 2011. Shannon Leigh Newth received the sentence along with a lifetime restraining order for abusing a 7-year-old child over a decade ago. 👮♀️⚖️
The victim came forward in 2023 after seeing a similar case highlighted on South Wales Police social media. Detective Georgia Davies praised the victim’s bravery, stating: “This is a case where the victim didn’t feel comfortable disclosing the offences to anyone until several years later.
“I want to thank the victim in this case for their bravery and strength in coming forward and speaking to us and their commitment throughout the course of the investigation.
“The offences were a dreadful ordeal for a young child to have to go through when they should have been free to enjoy their childhood. By speaking out, even after so many years, they have made sure that Newth is behind bars where he can’t hurt anyone else.
“I hope that anyone out there who thinks we won’t take their report seriously because years have passed know that they can still speak to us. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, or knows someone who has, to come forward and speak to use. We will listen to you, and we will investigate.”
