Powys man jailed for 21 years for raping and sexually abusing young girl
The crimes occurred over a nine-year period and began in the 1980s
Last updated 16th Jan 2026
A 74-year-old man from Presteigne, Powys, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for raping and sexually abusing a young girl over a nine-year period.
Paul David Withnell was convicted of 19 child sex offences following an eight-day trial at Merthyr Crown Court in November last year.
The offences spanned the 1980s and began when the victim was seven years old. During the trial, the court heard how Withnell initiated the abuse under the guise of a “tickle and fight” game and escalated it over time into repeated sexual assaults and rapes.
In one instance, the abuse resulted in the victim becoming pregnant and later experiencing a miscarriage during the summer school holidays when she was just thirteen years old.
The court heard emotional victim impact statements
During the sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, the victim delivered a deeply emotional impact statement, describing the lasting trauma caused by the abuse she experienced as a child.
She said, “As I look back over my childhood, I am left with lasting trauma, flashbacks and memories that will never leave me... My innocence was ruined far too young, and I was forced to live in a world for adults when I was a mere child.”
The court also heard about Withnell's interest in young girls, which was revealed through his collection of nude photographs and personal drawings of young females.
Delivering the sentence, the judge highlighted the emotional hardship endured by the victim, describing it as “unspeakable pain.” He continued, “You caused her to endure decades of emotional pain… and now you must atone for your appalling conduct.”
List of charges against Withnell
Withnell was found guilty of:
Four counts of raping a female under 16
Six counts of gross indecency of a girl under 14
Eight counts of indecent assault of a girl under 16
One count of making indecent photographs of a child
In addition to the jail term, he has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The investigating detective praised the victim’s bravery
Detective Inspector Christine Beaton applauded the victim's bravery in coming forward to report the non-recent crimes.
“I want to commend the victim in this case for her bravery in coming forward to report these horrendous crimes,” DI Beaton said, adding, “I hope this case reassures others that we will always take reports of sexual abuse incredibly seriously, no matter how recent or non-recent they may be.”
Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual abuse is urged to contact the police, with DI Beaton reassuring potential survivors that they will be supported every step of the way.