A paedophile sexually abused a young girl in the 1980s - but remained undetected for decades until his victim alerted the police. The victim said the abuse had "destroyed her innocence".
Michael Patrick, 62, of Caerphilly, carried out assaults in his 20s when his victim was under the age of 14-years-old. In the intervening years the defendant, who was described as "child-like", was said to have lived an "isolated life".
But the victim, who has lifelong anonymity, said the assaults by Patrick had impacted her life in "so many ways". Speaking at a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, the victim said: "I suffered in silence for many years..... I hated myself for this for many years, the best years of my life....I became a young woman with a family and looking at my beautiful children at the same age this all happened really broke my heart and made me feel worthless and pointless in being alive." The victim went on to say she had been protective as a mother and her children had lost out on opportunities due to her being unable to trust people.
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She said she had suffered from depression after being triggered by smells and had suffered nightmares relating to sexual abuse. The victim also said she had been unable to leave the house some days.
She added: "Things have been tough but I see myself as a strong woman who has bad days. I have to do a lot of work to feel happy with myself. My biggest regret is not bringing this to the police earlier..... My innocence was destroyed by this man, he needs to pay for his desire to touch children, I feel he will continue to be a risk to children."
Patrick, of Gwerna Crescent, Maesycwmmer, was found guilty of sexual assault by digital penetration and pleaded guilty to another count of sexual assault. The court heard he was of previous good character.
Defence barrister Ieuan Rees said his client suffered with autism, a personality disorder and learning difficulties. During his youth, the defendant would spend more time with children than adults his own age and was said to have difficulties which made it "impossible" for him to lead a normal life.
Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards said: "The impact on (the victim) is clear. The impact of offending of this kind is life long and affects others, in particular family members for many years...... You were clearly making her do things she had no way of understanding, processing or consenting to."
Patrick was sentenced to five years imprisonment. He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and the sex offenders register indefinitely.
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