Rocco Malnati 51

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A predator who sexually abused two girls has been jailed.

Prosecutor Hillary Roberts said Rocco Malnati, 51, of Blaenavon Road in Govilon, “had a dark side to him” which led to him “committing a variety of sexual acts” against two victims between 2004 and 2010.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Malnati bought the first victim “treats” including alcohol and cigarettes. Mr Roberts said the defendant abused her by performing oral sex, “repeated acts of penial penetration,” making her expose her breasts while he masturbated, and assaulting her in his car in a lay-by.

The victim said she became aware she was being taken advantage of but “didn’t know any way out of it,” Mr Roberts added.

The prosecution said Malnati masturbated in front of the second victim when she was 11 and either topless or naked, and engaged in penetrative sexual abuse when she was a teenager. She said that when she confronted him and threatened to report him, he said he would kill himself.

The offences emerged in 2022 when one victim’s partner found sexual photos of her on her phone that Malnati had her send him.

Malnati was arrested and admitted sexual contact with the victims in interview, but claimed it was after they turned 16. He denied the offences, and a trial scheduled for September last year was delayed until July this year.

Ahead of trial, he pleaded guilty to five offences of sexual activity with a child for the first victim, and engaging in a sexual act in the presence of a child and sexual activity with a child for the second.

In a statement, one victim said Malnati “took my innocence at a very young age” and “used me as a piece of meat to satisfy his deviant sexual desires.” “I will never get my childhood back,” she said. “I never feel safe. I’m always looking over my shoulder for potential threats.”

Jeffrey Jones, in mitigation, said this was Malnati’s first custody experience as he had never troubled the courts before. “He [is] a man of hitherto clean character,” he said. Mr Jones noted Malnati had engaged with probation services, done charity work, and cared for two family members, showing “a positive side” to him.

“It’s clear to everyone that’s heard [the victims’ statements] that both have been significantly traumatised and deeply affected by your actions,” said Recorder Paul Lewis KC. “No sentence I can pass can undo the harm you have caused.”

Recorder Lewis sentenced Malnati to 14 years and 10 months, comprising 12 years and 10 months in custody and two years extended licence. He must register as a sex offender for life and was made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. Both victims received lifelong restraining orders against him.

“I want to recognise the courage [the victims] have shown in the investigation and today,” Recorder Lewis said.