Sex attacker jailed for 16 years

Monday, 17 November 2025 17:00

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

South Wales Police

A man has been jailed for sixteen years for sexually assaulting a woman in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Stephen Heap from Oldham was convicted on nine counts - including indecent and sexual assault - following a "through and protracted" five-year investigation.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Heap's victim had been suffering from nightmares and felt isolated and "unable to trust anyone" because of his actions.

Witnesses were traced across the UK after she came forward to the police in 2020.

Heap (58) denied all the charges, but in June, he was found guilty on four counts of indecent assault, two of sexual assault and further charges of assault of a child by penetration, sexual activity with a child and assault by penetration.

At Merthyr Crown Court earlier this month, he was ordered to serve a further year on an extended licence following his release from prison.

Detective Constable Stephen Jenkins from South Wales Police said: "Justice would not have been obtained had it not been for the immense strength, courage and resilience demonstrated by the victim throughout the five-year period comprising of the investigation and the court process."

"I hope that the outcome at court allows the victim to find some peace and live the life that she deserves."

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