A couple who repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted a young girl were told by their victim they had "tortured, humiliated, and destroyed" her. A judge branded the pair "two of the most degenerate individuals to have appeared before this court".
Simon Parsons, 44, and Rebecca Dow, 39, carried out a disgusting campaign of sexual abuse against their victim when she was under the age of 13. The girl was raped by Parsons as Dow held her hand and they assaulted her sexually and also had sex with each other in front of her.
They both denied their sexual abuse of the victim but were found guilty of a catalogue of offences following a trial. They continue to deny their responsibility for their actions and were told by their victim: "I hate myself and I hate you."
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A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard the offences against the victim "ran the gamut of depravity". Parsons was said to have an "unhealthy relationship" with sex and and a "museum-grade collection" of sex toys. Both defendants used drugs to "bring the victim to their level". The court heard "promises of reward" were made in exchange for sexual activity and Parsons made specific threats of violence in which he told her he would "kill her" if she told anyone about the abuse.
In his sentencing remarks Judge David Wynn Morgan said: "The facts speak for themselves and what they say is that you are two of the most degenerate individuals to have appeared before this court. The evidence of the victim is that you have both caused incalculable harm to her in the pursuit of your perverted sexual gratification. You treated her as some animated sex toy."
In a victim personal statement read to the court by prosecutor Matthew Roberts the girl said: "I have fought and continued to fight until today. Justice has finally been served... It's caused torture stress and anxiety and I've found it hard. I'm humiliated people know what happened and feel ashamed and humiliated my family had to listen to what sick things you did.
"You made me out to be a liar... I shouldn't have had to suffer from something you have done. I've known from the start you'd never take the blame or own up to what you did. You have traumatised me for the rest of my life... I would have become a happy person if this hadn't happened and I can only dream of the stress- and anxiety-free person I could have been...
"Night terrors, memories, and flashbacks have taken over my life. You act as if it never happened. I've had my life torn apart and turned upside-down." The court heard the victim has mental health issues and she has tried to end her own life.
Useful numbers for dealing with your mental health
There's help available if you need it:
Mind Cymru infoline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. To contact them call 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (in the UK and Republic of Ireland this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
C.A.L.L. (Community Advice & Listening Line) offers emotional support and information/literature on mental health and related matters to the people of Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737 or through the website.
The NHS offers help and advice through its 111 service.
She added: [It's] no life for anyone to live. I have to live with this for the rest of my life and I am still trying to put myself together even to this day.... I will never be the same. I never deserved this. The feeling of being so isolated and alone I hope no-one ever feels. I carry shame and guilt every day, even when I'm asleep, and it scares me. You have damaged me inside and out from the moment it started and the rest of my life. I can't form relationships or live a normal life. I hate myself and hate you.
"The constant stress, anxiety, and loneliness makes me sad. I will never forget – not even when I take my last breath. You damaged every aspect of my life you could. I have hated every second of this and it's not the life I dreamed of as a little girl. It's me who has to live with it 24/7.
"You tortured, humiliated, and destroyed me. I survived your evilness and have become so strong but I don't know who I am anymore. I am a lost little girl who got put through so much and it's your fault... Its my time to start living life."
Parsons, of Arlington Crescent, Llanrumney, Cardiff, was found guilty of two counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, one count of assault by penetration, four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. Dow, of Tregwilym Road, Rogerstone, Newport, was found guilty of two counts of aiding and abetting rape, four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, and four counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
In mitigation Caroline Rees KC, for Parsons, said her client continues to deny the offences. She said he has experienced his first experience of the prison system, which has had a "hard, grave impact" on him. The barrister said he was previously a hardworking man up to these offences. David Elias KC, for Dow, said his client, who also continues to deny the offences, was previously in an abusive relationship and was the victim of "serious domestic violence".
Judge Wynn Morgan said both defendants forced the victim to relive the abuse by taking the case to trial and had subjected her to cross-examination. He also described Parsons as a "significant risk" to members of the public.
Parson was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of eight years. Dow was also sentenced to 16 years imprisonment. Both defendants will serve two-thirds of their custodial sentences before they are eligible for parole. They were both made subject to sexual harm prevention orders and restraining orders.
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