Mancot man jailed for 21 years for sexually assaulting child
A 35-year-old man from Mancot has been jailed for 21 years for sexually assaulting a child and possessing indecent images of children.
Ben Caunce, of Banks Road, was sentenced at Mold Crown Court today.
He had previously admitted eight counts of sexual assault of a child.
He also admitted possessing more than 200 Category A indecent images and videos of a child, the most serious type, more than 200 Category B images and videos, and almost 300 Category C images and videos.
He further admitted showing an indecent image of a child to another person.
Caunce also pleaded guilty to taking eight Category A indecent images and videos of a child, 16 in Category B, and 23 in Category C.
He will serve at least two thirds of the 21-year sentence in prison before he can be considered for release, with the remainder to be served on licence.
The court ordered Caunce to register as a sex offender indefinitely and made a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.
A 15-year restraining order was also imposed to protect the victim.
Caunce came to police attention in December last year after showing a colleague indecent images and videos at a social event.
The colleague reported him to police.
His devices were seized and found to contain images of him sexually assaulting a child.
He was arrested, charged, and remanded into custody until sentencing.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Danielle Craig said:
“Ben Caunce poses a danger to children, and I am pleased that today’s sentence reflects the seriousness and depravity of the offences he committed.
“I commend the bravery and dignity of the victim’s mother for having the courage to assist with the investigation, and for her resilience throughout.
“I also want to highlight the bravery of Caunce’s colleague who brought him to the attention of the police. As a result of his report, an investigation was launched that resulted in him being brought to justice today.
“We will leave no stone unturned when investigating those who seek to do harm to vulnerable members of our society. Any victim of sexual abuse is encouraged to come forward with the confidence that they will be heard and supported.”
Anyone with information about child sexual abuse can contact North Wales Police on 101 or via the force’s website. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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