
Last Updated: January 30, 2025
A 28-year-old Newport man has been sentenced to nine years in prison after filming himself sexually assaulting a woman while she slept.
Charlie Thacker, from Bassaleg, initially denied the charges, falsely claiming he had consent to record the acts. The victim discovered the disturbing footage on an iPad, leading to police involvement. Further recordings were subsequently found by investigators.
“The main effect that this crime has had on me is regarding my mental health,” the victim stated. “Every night before I go to bed, I ask myself the same question. Why? Why would he do this? I now struggle to sleep at night and I suffer a high degree of anxiety.”
At Newport Crown Court, defence counsel Nigel Fryer said: “Through me, he would apologise profusely for his disrespectful behaviour. His behaviour was abhorrent and he understands in the cold light of day, the devastating impact it has upon his victim.”
Judge Carl Harrison highlighted the severity of the offences: “She was horrified by what she had found and she reported the matter to the police. The victim remained asleep throughout this sexual abuse. She was plainly defenceless to what you did.”
Thacker admitted assault by penetration and sexual assault, with his sentence reduced from 12 years to nine years due to his guilty pleas. ⚖️