A man sexually assaulted a teenage girl and then pleaded with her to keep quiet about the incident. Cardiff Crown Court heard how Grant Edwards, 33, sexually assaulted the 16-year-old girl by touching her inappropriately in autumn 2022. The court was informed that Edwards, who was found guilty by a jury following a trial, seized the girl by her body and pulled her towards him before rubbing the upper part of her leg, which he then directed towards his genitals.

He subsequently informed the girl that she had aroused him. The court was told that the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, bravely resisted the prolonged assault before Edwards grabbed her jogging bottoms and pulled them away from her waist "so he could see her underwear".

In sentencing Edwards, Judge Jonathan Elystan Rees stated that the defendant had been "aroused" by his actions. He recounted how Edwards told the girl he was "hard" and asked her if she "wanted to see".

Edwards then attempted to persuade her not to disclose what had transpired. "But she did have the courage to tell people what you did to her," the judge addressed Edwards in the dock on Monday, reports Wales Online.

Roger Griffiths, prosecuting, read out a victim impact statement from the teenager. In her statement, she revealed that she now suffers from anger and anxiety as a result of the incident.

"The fact he did this to me sickens me," she expressed. "I believe he could do this to others. I find it difficult now to trust men. For weeks, I didn't leave the house, and I struggled to sleep. Although time has passed and I have come to terms with what happened, I now think twice when I am out socialising with friends. This has had a significant impact on me."

The court was informed that Edwards, who has consistently denied sexual assault, demonstrated limited "insight" into his offending. Alice Sykes, representing Edwards, told the court her client continues to assert his innocence but "accepts the findings of the jury".

The court heard how the defendant admitted he belittled the teen and made fun of her and "poked her" but he denied any sexual misconduct.

Ms Sykes informed the court that her client's grandparents and a 12-year-old daughter are dependent on him and would struggle without him should he be incarcerated.

Edwards, from Heol-Y-Frenhines in Bridgend, had one previous conviction for an offence committed as a teenager, which Judge Rees decided would not influence the sentencing. The probation service assessed him as being at high risk of causing harm in the future but at a lower risk of re-offending.

Judge Rees, during sentencing, told the defendant: "Your abuse of her will live with her forever. The court understands that even if you do not."

He sentenced Edwards to 16 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must also fulfil a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement and complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also issued an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting him from making any contact with the victim.