A man from Mountain Ash has avoided jail despite being labelled a serial sexual predator. Stephen Thompson, 68, was given a suspended sentence after admitting to attacking a vulnerable man. Outside court, Thompson, visibly angry, ranted “It’s all false” to a reporter.
Thompson, previously jailed for historic sexual abuse, targeted his latest victim just weeks after finishing his licence period for his previous sentence. Judge Wayne Beard described the victim as having “little prospect of fighting back,” making the assaults even more harrowing.
Prosecutors revealed chilling details of the assaults, including Thompson forcing his victim against a wall and committing horrific acts. Shockingly, Thompson attempted to silence the victim with threats and money. When questioned, he falsely claimed the accusations were made up.
The past offences, for which Thompson was jailed in 2013, included indecent assaults and buggery from the 1970s. In this latest case, Thompson eventually admitted the abuse but continued to downplay his actions during sentencing.
Judge Beard opted for a rehabilitation-focused sentence, handing Thompson a two-year prison term, suspended for 18 months, along with rehabilitation sessions and a curfew. The decision was based on the belief that it would offer better public protection in the long run, although the victim remains deeply traumatised.
As part of his sentence, Thompson must attend 30 rehabilitation sessions and adhere to a nightly curfew. The court also imposed a victim services surcharge of £187. Despite the suspended sentence, the victim expressed continuing distress, saying the ordeal had left him feeling like “a prisoner in my own home,” struggling with trust issues and anxiety.