Sean Andrew Canavan

Sean Andrew Canavan, a 47-year-old man from Cardiff, has been imprisoned for 20 years following his conviction for serious sexual offences against a young child. The case, heard at Cardiff Crown Court, involved Canavan denying all charges but ultimately being found guilty by a jury of five counts of assault by penetration on a child under 13. These abhorrent acts occurred systematically over a significant period, spanning from 2005 to 2010.

The prosecution, led by Leanne Jonathan from the CPS’s Wales Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, described Canavan as a 'highly dangerous individual who poses a significant risk to the general public and to young people in particular.' She highlighted the systematic nature of the abuse inflicted on the very young and vulnerable victim, emphasising that the conviction and sentence were a direct result of the victim's immense bravery in reporting the crimes. 'I hope that his lengthy sentence will give comfort to the victim and their family, knowing that thanks to their actions he is no longer a threat to others,' Jonathan stated.

Detective Constable Dan Todd of Cardiff West CID, who investigated the case for South Wales Police, praised the victim's remarkable maturity and bravery, particularly during the trial. 'Canavan is a violent, controlling individual, and the 20-year prison sentence he was given reflects the seriousness of his offences,' Todd said. He noted that investigating sexual violence is a priority for South Wales Police, with appropriate support provided to victims throughout the process. The force expressed hope that the victim could now move on from the horrific ordeal.

A source familiar with Canavan portrayed him as a 'vile, disgusting, disturbed horrible man' who was manipulative and refused to admit wrongdoing, likening him to a sociopath. The source, who had trusted Canavan in the past, expressed profound regret and relief at his imprisonment, stating, 'To finally see him put away for 20 years is fantastic news for us.' Canavan, formerly a doorman at bars in Caerphilly, Bargoed, and Cardiff, lived a 'dirty, disgusting secret life' on Llandaff Road in Cardiff.

In addition to the 20-year custodial sentence handed down last month after his guilty verdict on 22 December 2015, Canavan was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order to protect the public from further harm.