A 71-year-old man, Michael Wheeldon, from Porthcawl, has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for repeatedly making a young girl perform sexual acts on him. The abuse began when the victim was less than 10 years old, with Wheeldon coercing her into engaging in sexual acts and instructing her to keep it a “secret.” The distressing situation came to light after the girl disclosed the abuse to her mother, who subsequently alerted the authorities.
The sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court revealed that Wheeldon, also known as Mick, pleaded guilty to four counts of causing or inciting a child to perform sexual acts. During the proceedings, a victim impact statement was read out in court on behalf of the victim’s mother, expressing the deep sense of failure and devastation the family has experienced. The statement conveyed the profound impact the abuse has had on the victim and their loved ones, describing how their world has been torn apart by Wheeldon’s actions.
In his defence, Wheeldon’s lawyer, Giles Hayes, highlighted that his client had no prior history of such offences and acknowledged the devastating consequences of his actions on his own life, including the estrangement from one of his adult children. Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Eugene Egan emphasised the long-lasting repercussions of Wheeldon’s actions, stating that the effects of his offending may reverberate for years to come.
In addition to the prison sentence, Wheeldon was also issued with a restraining order and indefinite sex offender notification requirements. The court proceedings shed light on the lasting trauma inflicted on the victim and the profound emotional toll it has taken on her and her family. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding individuals, particularly vulnerable children, against exploitation and abuse.
The distressing nature of the case underscores the critical need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent such heinous acts from occurring in the future. As communities grapple with the aftermath of such events, it is essential to provide support and resources for survivors and their families as they navigate the long road to healing and justice. The sentencing of Michael Wheeldon serves as a sobering reminder of the enduring impact of sexual abuse and the imperative to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.