Description
A paedophile been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment for raping and sexually abusing a child aged under 13. He was described as a "predatory individual" who took advantage of a child in the "most horrific way".
Steven Felix, 36, of Bridgend, sexually abused the child between 2019 and 2020. An investigation was launched after the abuse was reported in 2021.
The defendant, of Brackla, was charged with a total of 24 counts of rape and sexual activity with a child. At Cardiff Crown Court he was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment with an additional six years on licence and a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.
Following the hearing detective sergeant Jo Williams-Smith of South Wales Police said: "Steven Felix is a predatory individual who took advantage of a child and abused them in a horrific way. The victim in this case has to live with the memory of this awful abuse.
"I’m pleased that the court have recognised this by handing Steven Felix this lengthy jail sentence which is the outcome the case deserved. I’d like to personally pay tribute to the victim for coming forward and sticking with the investigation. It is thanks to their bravery that we secured a successful prosecution.
"I hope that this sentence will serve as encouragement to other victims of sexual abuse to come forward. We will believe you and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice no matter how long ago the offences took place.
"We take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously. We have specially trained teams that investigate sexual offences and provide support to victims. If you have experienced these kinds of offences you will be heard and listened to and your report will be believed.”