Former Cardiff man sentenced to nearly four years for abusing child decades earlier

In a case heard at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, 61-year-old Craig Hole of Cardiff was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault on a girl who was eight when the abuse began. The victim, who waited decades before contacting police, testified that Hole touched her genitalia, masturbated in her presence and attempted to kiss her, causing severe emotional damage. The court heard that Hole has previous convictions for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and child cruelty.

Despite his denial, the judge sentenced him to three years and ten months in prison, added a ten-year restraining order and required lifelong inclusion on the sex offender register. Defense counsel highlighted Hole’s military background, his role as a decorator, and the recent loss of six unborn children suffered by his wife, arguing that imprisonment would be a heavy burden on his family.