Callum Waterhouse

Callum Waterhouse, 27, of Nelson, was convicted of nine sexual offences, including multiple rapes of a girl under 13 and sexual activity with a child. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison and must serve a minimum of nine and a half years before being eligible for parole. He will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

The offences came to light in 2018 when Shakira Bound, then 19 and in a relationship with Waterhouse, discovered videos, messages and photos on his phone showing his abuse of Marshena, then 11. Shakira immediately contacted the child's family and Gwent Police. Marshena, Waterhouse's cousin, was just 10 years old when the grooming began in 2016. The abuse continued over three months, during which Waterhouse, then 18, groomed and raped her.

Shakira herself had also been abused by Waterhouse during their relationship, which began when she was 15. Both women waived their right to anonymity to speak out after the conviction. Marshena gave a second interview in 2023, finally revealing the full extent of the abuse. The case took eight years to conclude, with Waterhouse finally sentenced in May 2026.

Marshena stated: "He was my cousin and he raped me." She added: "It took 10 years to get to court, but I am finally being heard now." Shakira said: "Eight years of waiting for justice, eight years of being silenced, eight years of this man walking freely in our communities." Waterhouse's family reportedly continued to support him and deny the offences despite the guilty verdict.

The case was investigated by Gwent Police. Waterhouse was convicted at court and received a custodial sentence of 16 years.