A sex offender who assaulted young girls over a period of more than 20 years has been locked up.

Daniel John Howarth, 36, from Rhyl, was given a 12-year prison term for attacking three girls.

Howarth was found guilty of one charge of rape and four of sexual assault against a girl in the 1990s and 2000s by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court last week.
He had admitted sexually assaulting a girl in the 2000s and 2010s, and another girl last year.

The victims said the effects of the assaults had been significant.

In a Victim Personal Statement, which was summarised in court, one said she had been “very scared”.
Another said she was terrified that someone would find out about what had happened to her.

Judge Huw Rees said he had considered the risk posed by Howarth of further offending.

He said: “You abused three girls over a length of time and your behaviour speaks for itself. You pose a significant risk of harm by committing further offences.”

Howarth was jailed for six years on the charges relating to the first girl, and a total of six years for the offences against the second and third girl. All sentences will be served consecutively.

Simon Killeen, for Howarth, said the sentencing of his client was not an easy exercise and conceded the court would be concerned by his behaviour.

Howarth was told he will only be considered for release by the Parole Board when he has served two thirds of his sentence. When he is released, he will spend an additional six years on licence.

He was made the subject of a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must register his details with police for the same period.