Couple jailed over ‘depraved’ plans to sexually abuse young girl in Wales

Couple jailed over ‘depraved’ plans to sexually abuse young girl in Wales Victoria and Shaun Lewis, both 40, have been jailed after planning to sexually abuse a young girl in what has been described as a 'particularly depraved' case A couple has been jailed after making "depraved" plans to sexually exploit a teenage girl. Victoria Lewis, 40, arranged for the girl to meet her partner, Shaun Lewis, also 40, knowing he would sexually exploit her. The woman also arranged for an indecent photograph to be taken of the child and for her to travel to an area where the abuse would take place. Shaun Lewis, from Sandfields in Port Talbot, made "numerous sexual requests and demands" of the victim directly to her and also through Victoria Lewis. Detective constable Amanda Jenkins, of South Wales Police, described what the Neath Port Talbot couple put the child through as "horrifying". DC Jenkins said: "This has been a particularly depraved case which has involved Victoria Lewis arranging for a child to meet with a man she knew would sexually exploit her. What Victoria Lewis has done is sickening and to think about what the child has gone through because of Victoria Lewis is horrifying. "We cannot praise the victim enough for the bravery she has shown to tell police what happened to her and secure justice against a despicable woman – and that is before even mentioning Shaun Lewis’ part in the offending." Victoria Lewis, from Neath, pleaded not guilty to arranging the sexual exploitation of a child aged 13 to 17, arranging sexual activity with a child, and arranging travel with a view to exploitation. She was found guilty of all three charges following a trial in April and sentenced to four years in prison, Wales Online reports. Shaun Lewis pleaded guilty to arranging the sexual exploitation of a child, arranging a child sexual offence, and arranging travel with a view to exploitation. He was handed an extended sentence of 12 years comprising seven years in prison and a licence period of five years. A South Wales Police spokesman said: "We never underestimate how difficult it is for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out and report. "But we hope cases like this one provide reassurance that victims will be listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and will be supported throughout the judicial process. "If you have been sexually abused, and you are not yet ready to report to police, please don’t suffer in silence." Both defendants will have notification requirements for life.