Penarth Man Jailed for 21 Years for Child Sex Abuse

A 65-year-old Penarth man has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after subjecting a young girl to what Judge Shomon Khan described as using her as a “plaything” over several years. 👨‍⚖️

Perry McCarthy of Shakespeare Avenue was found guilty at Cardiff Crown Court of multiple sexual offences including rape of a girl, three counts of raping a girl under 13, and several other serious sexual crimes against the victim who was of primary school age when the abuse began.

The court heard McCarthy blindfolded the victim to conceal his actions, which started with inappropriate touching and escalated to oral rape. He groomed her with gifts including electronic items, chocolate and games, and would call her “selfish” if she refused his demands.

In a powerful victim impact statement read to the court, the survivor said: “The emotional and sexual abuse continued for many years and throughout that time I felt helpless, terrified, and ashamed. The secrecy of it all made me feel alone and I became isolated as though I was trapped in a nightmare I couldn’t escape.”

She added: “I now live with chronic anxiety, nightmares, and a constant feeling of unease. My sleep has been terribly affected as the fear instilled by being blindfolded by Perry leaves me exceptionally fearful of closing my eyes and experiencing the darkness.”

The brave victim came forward to tell teachers about the abuse she had endured, leading to a police investigation.

Judge Khan told McCarthy: “The victim was left in the impossible situation of having to endure further abuse from you thinking no-one would believe her… Blindfolding was linked to the abuse which left emotional and physical scars. When she turns out the lights she fears she will see images of you.”

McCarthy was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of one year. People in the public gallery applauded as the sentence was passed.

Detective Constable Joanna Cecerko from South Wales Police said: “I want to commend the victim for her courage in coming forward. Thanks to her report and support from her family justice has been served.”

McCarthy will be subject to a restraining order and sex offender notification requirements for life, as well as a sexual harm prevention order for 15 years.