Young girl tried to take her own life after sex abuse by church-going paedophile

A CHURCHGOING 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.

- PHILIP DEWEY

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 heard the abuse came to light when the victim confided in a schoolfriend and told a teacher about what she had been subjected to.

She later told the police that Bennett had forced her to carry out a sex act on him. She said she did not 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, Croesy-ceiliog, 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.