Sixteen-year prison sentence for sexual assaults in the Vale of Glamorgan

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Stephen Heap has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexual assaults on a female in the Vale of Glamorgan.

His offences were reported to South Wales Police when a victim bravely came forward in 2020.

Witnesses were traced across the UK as part of a thorough and protracted investigation.

Heap, of Chadderton, Oldham, denied the offences but was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in June 2025.

He was convicted of nine offences – four indecent assaults, two sexual assaults, assault of a child by penetration, sexual activity with a child and assault by penetration.

The 58-year-old was sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court on November 7, 2025, to 16 years in prison plus one-year extended licence.

In a statement to the court, the victim described experiencing nightmares, feeling isolated, and ‘unable to trust anyone’, because of Heap’s actions.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Stephen Jenkins, from South Wales Police, said:“Justice would not have been obtained had it not been for the immense strength, courage and resilience demonstrated by the victim throughout the five-year period comprising of the investigation and the court process.

“I hope that the outcome at court allows the victim to find some peace and live the life that she deserves.”

We never underestimate how difficult it is for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out and report.

But we hope cases like this one provide reassurance that victims will be listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and will be supported throughout the judicial process.

If you have been sexually abused, and you are not yet ready to report to police, please don’t suffer in silence. A wealth of information and details of support services can be found here.