In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through South Wales, a couple has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous crimes against a young girl, described by the judge as “two of the most degenerate individuals to have appeared before this court.”
Simon Parsons, 44, and Rebecca Dow, 39, were found guilty of a catalogue of offences, including rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The victim, who suffered years of abuse, faced her tormentors in court, telling them they had “tortured, humiliated, and destroyed” her.
The Cardiff Crown Court heard that Parsons, of Arlington Crescent, Llanrumney, Cardiff, and Dow, of Tregwilym Road, Rogerstone, Newport, subjected the young girl to a campaign of sexual abuse when she was under the age of 13. Parsons raped the girl while Dow held her hand, and they even engaged in sexual acts in front of her.
The court revealed disturbing details about Parsons’ “unhealthy relationship” with sex, describing his possession of a “museum-grade collection” of sex toys. Both defendants used drugs to manipulate and control their victim, promising rewards in exchange for sexual activity. Parsons went to the extent of making specific threats, including the chilling declaration that he would “kill her” if she spoke about the abuse.
In a powerful victim personal statement read by prosecutor Matthew Roberts, the young girl conveyed the profound impact of the abuse on her life. She spoke of the “torture, stress, and anxiety” caused by the ordeal, expressing her humiliation and the lasting trauma that haunts her, including night terrors, memories, and flashbacks. The victim, who has mental health issues and has attempted suicide, shared her struggle to put herself back together, stating, “I will never be the same. I never deserved this.”
Judge David Wynn Morgan, in his sentencing remarks, condemned the defendants for causing “incalculable harm” to the victim. He described their actions as a pursuit of “perverted sexual gratification,” treating the young girl as an “animated sex toy.” He emphasized that both defendants forced the victim to relive the abuse by taking the case to trial and subjected her to cross-examination.
Caroline Rees KC, representing Parsons, stated that her client continued to deny the offences and highlighted the impact of the prison system on him. David Elias KC, representing Dow, claimed that his client had been in an abusive relationship before, implying a link to her actions.
The judge sentenced both defendants to 16 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of eight years. They will serve two-thirds of their custodial sentences before being eligible for parole. In addition, Parsons and Dow were made subject to sexual harm prevention orders and restraining orders.
