Gareth Mitchell 41

Description

A man tried to kill himself several times after he admitted sexually assaulting a girl over the age of 16, a court heard. When confronted with the allegations he said: "I'll be dead within the hour".

Gareth Mitchell's offending came to light when his victim confided to a counsellor about the attack and the police were informed. A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard the 41-year-old defendant, from Cwmbran, was challenged about those allegations and replied: "I did it." He added: "I will be dead within the hour."

Prosecutor Alex Greenwood said police located Mitchell in a car as he was attempting to take his own life. He was taken to a custody suite where he made a further attempt on his own life. He was taken to hospital and after he was released the following day the defendant was interviewed. He provided a prepared statement in which he admitted the offences, apologised for his actions, and said: "It will never happen again".

Mitchell later pleaded guilty to sexual offences including assault by penetration. The court heard he was of previous good character.

In a victim personal statement read to the court by Mr Greenwood the victim said: "I have been suffering as a result of what he did to me... As a result of his actions against me my mental health has got a lot worse. I have been self-harming every week at least once a week. I was bullied at school and self-harmed from an early age. Prior to this incident I had a degree of stability in my mental health – I was in a much better place and had a good circle of friends...

"I restarted self-harming. I am also looking around everywhere to make sure the defendant is not around or anyone who could possibly hurt me. I am incredibly anxious, scared to leave the house, and prefer somebody to be with me... I'll never forget what's taken place. I want to get my life back on track and be the best person I can be."

In mitigation Jeffrey Jones said his client made admissions upon first being confronted about the allegations and had tried to end his own life. He said this was indication of the remorse the defendant felt and described his life as "likely to be altered forever with natural hostility and isolation".

Sentencing, Recorder Greg Bull KC said: "This was not a long-lasting incident but one of profound effect [on the victim]." He sentenced Mitchell to three years imprisonment. The defendant was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and sex offender notification requirements indefinitely.