Rocci Malanti

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday revealed the harrowing details of how Rocci Malanti, 51, from Tredegar Road, Ebbw Vale, groomed and sexually exploited two young girls, subjecting them to repeated sexual abuse when they were under 16 years old. The abuse came to light in 2022 after both victims bravely came forward and provided interviews to Gwent Police. Malanti, described in court as a 'sexual deviant' with a 'dark side', had gained the trust of his victims through manipulative tactics, such as buying them alcohol and cigarettes, and offering rides.

The first victim recounted how Malanti performed oral sex on her and progressed to vaginal intercourse, during which she pretended to be asleep out of fear, stating the act caused her pain. She also described instances where he masturbated in her presence after instructing her to expose her breasts, and he engaged in penetrative sex and oral sex with her on multiple occasions. In her victim personal statement read to the court, she said: 'I didn't realise anything that had been happening was wrong.... I was conditioned into thinking these things were normal and right... I keep discovering the way the abuse and grooming has impacted on my life... I feel a fool and ashamed. I feel stupid but most of all I feel dirty.' She further explained feeling 'programmed' to view the abuse as 'easy as having a cup of tea', highlighting the profound manipulation she endured as a child.

The second victim described her first sexual experience with Malanti as traumatic, holding a pillow over her face during intercourse because she did not want to see what was happening. She also witnessed him masturbating in front of her. In her statement, she expressed: '(Malanti) stole my virginity and took my innocence at a young age... He used me as a piece of meat to satisfy his deviant sexual desires... I will never get my childhood back and will never forget what happened to me.' She noted suffering significant childhood trauma, leading to a mental breakdown, and bottling up the memories until coming forward. After the victims informed Malanti of their intent to speak to police, he threatened to kill himself.

Malanti was arrested and initially denied the offences but later pleaded guilty to six counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. Despite being of previous good character and citing health issues including a diabetes diagnosis, the court heard mitigation from his barrister Jeffrey Jones. Recorder Paul Lewis, addressing Malanti, stated: 'No sentence that I pass can undo the harm that you have caused them.' He commended the victims for their courage in coming forward.

The case was reported by Wales Online, with court correspondence from Philip Dewey, based on proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court. Gwent Police provided the custody image of Malanti.