A Powys man who raped and sexually abused a young girl over a nine-year period has been jailed for 21 years.

Paul David Withnell, 74, of Presteigne, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court today after being found guilty of 19 non-recent child sex offences following an eight-day trial at Merthyr Crown Court in November.

At the November trial, the court heard that the victim was just seven years old when the abuse began, robbing her of her childhood and continuing until she was 15. Prosecutors described a sustained pattern of sexual violence which started in the 1980s under the guise of a so-called “tickle and fight” game, during which Withnell encouraged the child to touch his penis, and he would touch her vagina.

As the years went on, Withnell fabricated a twisted fantasy in which he claimed he and the child were in a romantic relationship. It was during this period that the abuse escalated to rape.

In one particularly harrowing incident, the court was told the victim became pregnant and suffered a miscarriage during the summer school holidays when she was around 13 years old.

Delivering her victim impact statement to the court today, the woman spoke of the lifelong trauma she continues to endure.

“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,” she said.

“No matter how resilient I have learnt to be as an adult, I will never escape the shame of my past. I feel as if I’ve been left with a permanent dirty stain that is always there, and no matter how I live my life now and try to forget my past, that stain remains - and will inevitably remain throughout my future.”

The jury heard that Withnell’s sexual interest in young girls was further evidenced by a collection of nude photographs and personal drawings of children. When questioned by police, he said: “I think children, girls, between the ages of 13 and 16/17 are at their most beautiful. Or I did think that. That’s why I wanted to capture that in my drawings.”

In March 2025, Withnell pleaded guilty to one charge of making indecent photographs of a child but denied all other allegations.

In total, he was convicted of four counts of rape of a female under 16, six counts of gross indecency of a girl under 14, eight counts of indecent assault of a girl under 16, and one count of making indecent photographs of a child.

Sentencing Withnell at Cardiff Crown Court today, the judge explained that he heard about the consequences the defendant's actions have had on the victim's life, causing her “unspeakable hardship, misery and upset”.

"You caused her to endure decades of emotional pain… and now you must atone for your appalling conduct," he said.

“I think about that 14-year-old girl as she was undergoing the miscarriage… and I ask myself how frightened, isolated, and scared that young teenager must have felt at having to undergo and endure that experience.

"It is almost impossible to articulate in adequate English how utterly appalling that experience must have been for her.”

Withnell has also been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, as well as being subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Inspector Christine Beaton said: “I want to commend the victim in this case for her bravery in coming forward to report these horrendous crimes.

“I understand that reporting crimes of this nature, particularly many years after they happened, can be especially daunting.

“The dignity and strength shown throughout the course of the investigation is testament to her resilience, bravery and determination to secure justice.

“Thanks to her support, and the diligent work of the investigation team, Withnell has finally been held to account for his vile actions.

“As Withnell faces his time in prison, I hope the victim in this case can take some solace in today’s outcome as she begins to move forward with her life.

“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.

“If you have been a victim of rape or sexual abuse, please come forward. We are compassionate, capable, and committed to supporting you every step of the way.”