Victim left haunted by years of rape and manipulation
A SEXUAL predator who subjected a young girl to repeated rape and abuse over a number of years has been jailed for 21 years.
Perry McCarthy, 65, from Shakespeare Avenue in Penarth, began targeting the child when she was of primary school age. The abuse started under the guise of affection but quickly escalated into a prolonged campaign of sexual exploitation.
Cardiff Crown Court heard that McCarthy blindfolded the girl during assaults and used grooming tactics including gifts of chocolate, games and electronic items to control her. He made her perform sexual acts, touched her inappropriately, and carried out repeated rapes, including oral rape, while she was blindfolded.
If the girl refused to comply with his demands, McCarthy would accuse her of being “selfish”, further manipulating her with emotional pressure. Over time, the abuse became so regular that the victim described it as “usual”.
McCarthy’s offending also included assault by penetration, voyeurism, and encouraging the girl to watch pornography. He would use devices on her body and sexually assaulted her by grabbing her breasts and massaging her thighs.
The abuse continued for years, leaving the victim suffering from anxiety, fear of the dark, and a deep mistrust of others. In a powerful victim personal statement read to the court, she said the trauma has led to repeated self-harm and hospital admissions, and described how she struggles with sleep and daily life as a result of McCarthy’s actions.
She said: “The fear instilled in me from being blindfolded means I’m terrified of the dark. I often have to leave the house at night just to escape the memories. Even though I know it’s not safe, it still feels better than reliving the nightmare.”
The victim eventually confided in her teachers, which led to a police investigation. McCarthy denied all charges but was found guilty by a jury of rape, three counts of raping a girl under 13, three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, assault by penetration, voyeurism, and other related offences.
Judge Shomon Khan told McCarthy: “You used and abused a vulnerable child for your own gratification. You thought she wouldn’t be believed, but she was. She has shown great courage in speaking out.”
He said the use of blindfolds during the attacks had left the victim with lasting psychological scars and that her childhood had been “taken from her”.
Members of the public gallery applauded as the sentence was delivered.
In addition to the 21-year prison sentence, McCarthy will serve an extended licence period of one year upon release. He has also been made subject to lifetime sex offender notification requirements and a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Following sentencing, Detective Constable Joanna Cecerko of South Wales Police said: “This has been an incredibly traumatic time for the victim and her family. I want to commend her bravery in coming forward. Thanks to her courage, justice has now been done.”
