Owen Hefin Williams

At Caernarfon Crown Court, Owen Hefin Williams, aged 71 from Gwalchmai, Anglesey, was sentenced to six and a half years' imprisonment for sexually abusing a young girl over a period from when she was eight until about 14 years old. The abuse, described by the judge as separate but sequential acts by three men, involved Williams grooming and corrupting the victim, who is now in her mid-40s.

The jury convicted Williams on six charges of indecent assault. Judge Merfyn Hughes QC characterised him as a dangerous paedophile who had carefully groomed the girl, gaining her trust to the extent that she looked forward to meeting him despite the abuse. The judge noted Williams' previous convictions for similar offences, which aggravated the current charges. Prosecutor Andrew Green detailed how the offences began when the victim was eight, with the devastating effects robbing her of her innocence and leaving her confused about relationships.

• Williams admitted to being a delivery van driver on Anglesey during police questioning but refused to comment when the victim's name was mentioned.
• Barrister John Wyn Williams argued for leniency citing Owen's age and health problems, acknowledging a custodial sentence was inevitable.

The case came to light in December 2012 following the victim's videotaped police interview. Upon release, Williams must sign the sex offenders register indefinitely. North Wales Police investigated the historic abuse reported in the Anglesey area.