A 'MANIPULATIVE predator' has been handed a rare absolute discharge sentence in court.

The sentencing of Terrence Parker, 83, of Weech Road in Dalwish, took place at Caernarfon Crown Court on Monday, May 5.

However, the defendant was not present in court.

A jury previously found Parker guilty of five counts of indecent assault on a child under the age of 16 and one of attempted sexual assault on a child under the age of 16.

The incidents in question date as far back as 1959 and some of them took place in Wrexham.

Matthew Dunford, prosecuting, told the court that Parker had a 'pattern of offending'.

He added that the defendant had previous similar convictions, including one for an indecent assault on a child in 1974.

Personal statements from both victims in the case were read out in court.

The first stated that they had been diagnosed with 'anxiety and depression' as a direct result of the defendant's actions, adding that the 'psychological effects have been huge'.

Their statement said that the 'nightmares don't seem to stop' and added: "What did I do to deserve what he did?"

The statement from the other victim told of how they had walked into a shop years after the incidents took place and had recognised the defendant.

This led to them feeling as though their life had been 'split in two' after seeing him again, adding that that incident had led to struggles with family relationships.

The victim, now in their seventies, added: "What happened to me as a little boy still haunts me."

The court was told that Parker now had 'advanced dementia', as confirmed by two psychologists who said he 'didn't have the capacity to stand trial'.

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Sentencing Parker, Judge Nicola Saffman described him as a 'manipulative predator seeking out vulnerable young boys'.

She added: "Fear and rage has followed both victims throughout their lives".

However, Judge Saffman passed down the rare sentence of an absolute discharge due to Parker being 'so old and close to death'.

She added that he was someone who is therefore 'not capable of being rehabilitated'.

Parker was today handed an absolute discharge due to his rapidly declining health but was made the subject of a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Following sentencing, Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jennie Ribbons-Steen said: “I hope this investigation has brought some measure of healing and justice to both victims, who courageously came forward after so many years to have their voices heard.

“They have both shown remarkable resilience and bravery.

“This case also highlights how time is never a barrier to investigating a crime and we will always pursue cases of this nature and bring those guilty of sex crimes to justice.”

The force has also encouraged other victims to come forward and report similar crimes. 

Detective Inspector Chris Hargrave of the North Wales Amethyst Team said: “We continue to be committed to bringing sexual crimes to justice and I would encourage anyone who wishes to report a sexual crime to come forward and speak to us.

“The Amethyst team is made up of specially trained officers to support victims through the investigation. We work closely with the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to provide confidential medical, practical and emotional support from specialist doctors, nurses and support workers.”