‘Your days of presenting yourself as a virtuous man are long gone’, said a judge
16:37, 10 Oct 2025Updated 16:38, 10 Oct 2025
Joshua Bennett, 32, sexually abused a young girl and caused her to make an attempt on her own life(Image: Gwent Police)
A church-going paedophile who sought to portray himself as a “virtuous man” caused a young girl to make an attempt on her own life after sexually abusing her. He was reprimanded by a judge who commented on the fact he was wearing a large crucifix as he sat in the dock for sentencing.
Joshua Bennett, 32, caused severe psychological harm to his victim who was just 10 years old when he began abusing her.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday heard the abuse came to light when the victim confided in a school friend and told a teacher about what she had been subjected to. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
She later told the police that Bennett had forced her to carry out a sex act on him. She said she didn’t want him to do it and didn’t want to tell her family about what had happened.
He also watched a pornographic film and told her that when she was “ready for sex” he would film her.
Bennett, of Tewdric Court, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, was arrested and said he was “disgusted” by the allegations but later pleaded guilty to causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration.
In a victim personal statement, the victim said she suffered with anxiety and depression, had harmed herself and took an overdose with an intention of ending her own life.
She said: “Because of the physical abuse I suffered, I have continued to suffer for many years. I would miss school due to the anxiety and depression and when I went to school I would become overwhelmed due to the anxiety and panic attacks. It affected my school and GCSE grades and I might not be able to continue with my studies.
“It’s hard to trust anyone who comes into my life and I fear judgement and gossip. The constant threats and blackmail left me with no-one to talk to.”
The victim referred to making a suicide attempt by overdosing on tablets, and suffers from countless sleepless nights and nightmares because of the abuse inflicted on her.
She added: “I feel like a completely different person from what I used to be. Before the abuse, I had a happy childhood, loved school, making new friends and spending time with my family. I missed out on teenage memories and milestones, my independence was stripped away from me from a young age and I never got to have the childhood I wanted.
“Life’s opportunities have been ripped away from me, I am overwhelmed in social situations and feel isolated and alone. I no longer recognise myself and the person I have become. I miss the person I used to be before the abuse before battling with anxiety, depression and PTSD.
“I still have suicidal thoughts and sometimes I feel like it would be easier to die than to be in a constant battle with my mind.”
Sentencing, Judge Daniel Williams noted the defendant told a probation officer he had poor mental health and a “heightened sex drive”, and had said: “I didn’t care where it was coming from, as long as I felt wanted.
The judge said: “The pre-sentence report says you are a church goer and I noticed you are wearing a large crucifix today.
“Your days of presenting yourself as a virtuous man are long gone.”
Bennett was sentenced to 13 years and six months imprisonment, with an extended licence period of four years.
He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years and a restraining order indefinitely.
Samaritans details
You can contact the Samaritans for non-judgmental advice 24/7, 365 days a year, by calling 116 123 or by emailing [email protected].
They also have an online chat service and a self-help app, or you can write them a letter for free at Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
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