A 91-year-old man has admitted to causing historic sexual offences against a young girl, which have had a lasting impact on her life. Raymond Skene, from Cardiff, exposed himself to his victim, forcibly kissed her with his tongue, and sexually touched her when she was just 11 years old. The victim bravely reported the abuse to the police, triggering Skene’s arrest and subsequent confession.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Skene claimed he had been “larking around” and had gone too far with his actions. He admitted to indecent assault and gross indecency with a child, although he asserted that he had no sexual gratification from the abuse, attributing his behaviour partially to alcohol consumption at the time.
In her victim personal statement presented to the court, the survivor expressed feelings of guilt and revealed that the abuse had haunted her with daily flashbacks. She detailed how the trauma had affected her ability to trust others and engage in physical intimacy, causing her to feel sick at the thought of kissing.
Skene, described as previously having a good character, was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He also received a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and will be subject to sex offender notification requirements for a decade. Skene’s defence lawyer, Kevin Seal, emphasised his client’s remorse and the significant health issues he currently faces.
Support for survivors of sexual abuse is widely available through various organisations and helplines, including Lifecentre, the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), One in Four, and Rape Crisis England & Wales. These resources offer assistance, advocacy, and counselling to individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse.
The case underscores the long-term impact of childhood abuse and the importance of seeking support and justice. It serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from harm and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.