### Paedophile Jailed After Years of Childhood Abuse Leaves Victim ‘Haunted’
A man from Penarth, Perry McCarthy, has been handed a substantial prison sentence following a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse against a young girl, which began when she was still in primary school. The harrowing abuse, which took place over several years, left the survivor with lasting emotional and psychological scars, the effects of which continue to haunt her daily life.
McCarthy, now 65 years old, was convicted by a jury at Cardiff Crown Court of carrying out a series of sexual offences. The crimes included multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, as well as voyeurism. Importantly, his offences spanned a significant period, escalating both in frequency and severity over time.
The court heard distressing details of the abuse. McCarthy would blindfold the girl, an action which has left her intensely fearful of darkness even now, years after the offences. He forced her to perform sexual acts and would often reward or manipulate her with gifts such as electronic items, games, and chocolates. If she resisted his demands, he would berate her, calling her “selfish” in an effort to coerce compliance.
Throughout the period of abuse, the victim felt trapped and isolated, a sentiment she bravely conveyed in a personal statement read aloud in court. She described constant feelings of helplessness, shame, and terror, stating, “The secrecy of it all made me feel alone and I became isolated as though I was trapped in a nightmare I couldn’t escape. I was too scared to tell anyone, convinced that no-one would believe me or that I would be blamed for what had happened.”
The psychological impact has been profound. The survivor revealed she continues to struggle with chronic anxiety, nightmares, and insomnia—her sleep often interrupted by memories of being blindfolded. She spoke candidly about resorting to self-harm as a distressing coping mechanism, at times requiring hospital treatment for her injuries. The long-term trauma has made it difficult for her to form trusting relationships and left her constantly questioning her own worth and sense of safety.
During the lengthy legal proceedings, McCarthy denied the charges and took the case to trial. He was ultimately found guilty by a jury of one count of rape of a girl, three counts of raping a girl under 13, multiple counts of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity—both with and without penetration—and further offences including sexual assault and voyeurism.
In his defence, McCarthy’s legal representative highlighted that he had no previous convictions, and there was no evidence of other victims. However, Judge Shomon Khan emphasised the gravity and lasting impact of his actions while sentencing McCarthy to 21 years in jail, with a further one year extended licence period, acknowledging the physical and emotional scars inflicted on the survivor.
As the sentence was handed down, members of the public gallery broke into applause in a rare display of solidarity for the victim’s courage. Judge Khan praised the survivor’s bravery in coming forward and described her account as both powerful and credible. He commented: “She was brave and did come forward. You thought you could get away with it because of her vulnerability… You abused and used her as your plaything.”
In addition to the prison sentence, McCarthy was made subject to lifelong sex offender notification requirements and a 15-year sexual harm prevention order. A restraining order has also been put in place to further protect the survivor.
Following the verdict, Detective Constable Joanna Cecerko of South Wales Police lauded the survivor’s strength, stating: “Thanks to her report and support from her family justice has been served. I am hopeful the outcome at court brings the victim and her family some comfort which they deserve.”
The case has once again highlighted the devastating and enduring effects of child sexual abuse. Support services are available for anyone affected, including Mind Cymru, Samaritans, C.A.L.L., and the NHS 111 service, all of which offer confidential help for survivors and those struggling with mental health issues.
The hope now is that, with justice served, the survivor may begin to rebuild her life, supported by family, friends, and specialist organisations dedicated to helping those who have suffered similarly appalling crimes.