Specialist investigators secure justice for three-year-old victim
Editor 2nd October 2017 25th January 2018
Guilty of vile crime: Trevor Vinson
Trevor Vinson, aged 38, of Tumble, has been given a 21-year extended sentence for sexual assault against a three-year-old girl.
A six year extension was added to the 15 years prison term, should he breach conditions when on licence.
Vinson was sentenced today, Monday, (Oct 2) at Swansea Crown Court. In a statement Dyfed-Powys Police said: "Dyfed-Powys Police welcomes this result of what has been a particularly difficult and sensitive investigation.
"The three-year-old girl was traumatised by the abuse she'd suffered. A detective from the Pembrokeshire Protection of Vulnerable Persons Unit with specialist training and experience in working with young victims, with support from the National Crime Agency, invested time in building trust with the little girl, encouraging her to provide an account of the crimes committed.
"The force's Digital Communications and Cyber-crime Unit (DCCU) worked with frontline officers to carry out a search at Vinson's home to secure crucial evidence. Devices belonging to Vinson, including a computer and mobile phone, were seized and analysed as part of the investigation. Images of Vinson abusing the child in the way she'd described were found. Due to the overwhelming evidence, Vinson pleaded guilty to all offences.
"The parents of the three-year-old victim said: "As a family we have been rocked to the core, our world has crumbled around us. It has impacted every aspect of us physically and mentally, leading us to second guess every decision we have ever made in regards to our own parenting. "The whole family group has been left traumatised, we never thought it would happen to our family, it's something you hear about in the papers but never believe it will be at your own doorstep. We would never have knowingly put our children in danger and will never forgive the deceit and breach of trust that has led to this. "Dyfed-Powys Police has been phenomenal from the beginning and we would like to personally thank the individual officers who worked with us (Paula and Carrie) and the officers behind the scenes. "Our advice to all parents is to trust your gut instinct as without that and the bravery shown by our child, this vile person may have still been perpetrating to this day. Please don't be afraid to speak to the police if you think your child has come into contact with this person, trust in your instincts. No family should ever have to go through this much heartache at the hands of one individual."
DI Elaine Bendle said: "I am pleased that Vinson has today been sentenced and is no longer able to cause harm to the young victim or anyone else. This is a highly unusual case with evidence being obtained from such a young victim. "The crimes he committed against this child were abhorrent and I must commend the detectives, digital crime investigators, police officers and staff who worked tirelessly to bring Vinson to justice. "We would obviously wish for such offences never to occur in our communities and we work closely with colleagues in partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable people, but very sadly abuse still does happen. "I hope there can be some reassurance felt within our communities that when such crimes are committed, we have dedicated, specially trained officers here prepared to work hard to ensure outcomes like today's sentencing.
"Goleudy, a service for victims and witnesses, is providing support to the victim and her family to help them come to terms with what has happened. "I hope anyone else who has experienced similar abuse at any stage of their life can find courage from this case to see that all reports will be taken seriously by Dyfed-Powys Police and fully investigated."
Hayley Davies of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "This case concerned extremely serious sexual abuse of a very young victim. We worked closely with Dyfed-Powys Police advising on further lines of inquiry to ensure that the strongest possible evidence could be gathered and presented. This resulted in guilty pleas at an early stage."
For abuse to be investigated or for it to stop, it needs to be reported to police by calling 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Regardless of whether you choose to report the crime, Goleudy Victim and Witness Service can provide you with further support and assistance. Call 0300 1232996 or email goleudy@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk.