John Anthony Morgan

A self-styled reverend from Mountain Ash has been sentenced for a child sex offence after a trial at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court. John Anthony Morgan, aged 65, was found guilty of sexual assault against a child under the age of 13. The incident involved Morgan climbing into bed with a mother and her seven-year-old daughter, where he carried out the assault.

The court heard that Morgan, a pensioner residing at Cwrt Llanwonno in Mountain Ash, had allowed several unrelated women to stay temporarily at his flat. This included providing a bail address for a woman facing imprisonment to avoid jail and offering sleeping space to her sister and two children following a relationship breakdown. Described as a heavy drinker, Morgan denied the charge during the three-day trial.

The victim, whose identity is protected by law, provided evidence via video link, recounting how Morgan entered the bed shared with her mother. The jury convicted Morgan based on this testimony and other evidence presented. In addition to the conviction, Morgan was required to complete a sex offender programme.

Morgan claimed to have been ordained as a minister in 1992 after training at Manchester Christian College, where he said he continued teaching. However, Samuel Arthur, the head of the college, contradicted this, stating he only remembered Morgan working there as a caretaker. Morgan had distributed laminated cards featuring his name, title, and a dove image to support his reverend persona.

The sentencing took place at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, with the case reported by Wales Online on 28 March 2013.