June 2005

‘Predatory’ man jailed

A 55-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for four and a half years at Cardiff crown court for sexually abusing two girls.

James Murphy, 55, of Bryn Aber, Abertridwr was told by Judge Jonathan Durham Hall: “You know the wrong you have done. Fortunately you pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, sparring witnesses the gross indignity of giving evidence in court.”

He said that what Murphy had done was “predatory paedophile abuse.” Murphy admitted four charges of committing gross indecency and four of indecent assault.

The first offence the court heard from Prosecutor Ieuan Rees occurred in 1980.

Murphy was ordered to register as a sex offender for life on his release and was disqualified for life from working with children.

The judge said the girls had gone through “horrendous experiences.”

He added: “This was a disgrace. You have caused untold harm and trauma. You have probably destroyed their future happiness.

“This court has to reflect societies abhorrence.”