Man sentenced for sexual assault on teenage boy at party

A Caerphilly man who sexually assaulted a teenage boy at a party by grabbing his genitals has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

The incident

Gareth Williams attended a party in Caerphilly where he became extremely intoxicated. The young teenage victim was sitting with friends while women and girls danced nearby.

Williams approached the group of boys, attempting to encourage them to get up and dance. He then grabbed or touched the victim’s genitals and asked: “How does your k*** feel?”

The 25-year-old later claimed the act was meant as a joke.

Court proceedings

Cardiff Crown Court heard on Wednesday that Williams initially denied the offences and went to trial. The defendant, of High Street, Llanbradach, was ultimately convicted of sexual assault.

Prosecutor Hannah Friedman revealed Williams had 16 previous convictions, including offences of exposure and cannabis production.

Victim impact

The teenage victim’s statement, read to the court, detailed the profound impact of the assault: “I felt scared, vulnerable and worried. I was shocked and shocked for a long time afterwards. I felt scared and was embarrassed by the incident, that another man touched my bits. I felt scared for my mother and scared to be called a liar.

“I was anxious over the next few months and of bumping into the defendant. I’ve decided this person isn’t going to occupy any more of my mind and decided to work really hard in school.”

Defence and sentencing

Defence barrister Elin Morgan attributed the offence to “alcohol related disinhibition, poor judgement and blurred boundaries”. She maintained Williams did not have a sexual interest in children or obtain sexual gratification from the act, though he recognised his actions were “inappropriate”.

Recorder Dyfed Thomas condemned Williams’ behaviour, describing it as a “reprehensible act” and an “outrageous and despicable thing to do to a young boy attending a party”.

He added: “This was a pathetic attempt at some form of adult humour with a child.”

Williams received a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He must complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 160 hours of unpaid work, and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.

A five-year restraining order was imposed alongside seven-year sex offender notification requirements. Williams was also ordered to pay £1,000 in costs.