A GIRL who was the victim of sexual abuse by two men in North Wales has been commended for her “courage and integrity” following their sentencings.

Michael Stewart, 41; and Matthew Penny, 44; both of no fixed abode, were jailed at Mold Crown Court today (July 13) having both raped the girl, who cannot be named.

Stewart was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years, while Penny will serve at least 13 years of a two-decade sentence.

The court heard that the girl was sexually abused by other men who have yet to be identified.

Incidents of abuse happened in places including Anglesey, Prestatyn and Conwy.

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Detective Constable Emma Faulkner, from North Wales Police’s Protection of Vulnerable People Unit (PVPU), described the case as “harrowing”.

She said: “I welcome the conviction of Michael Stewart and Matthew Penny for these offences.

“This has been a harrowing and complex case for all involved; we have worked tirelessly for today’s sentencing. 

“We must recognise that at the centre of this case is a young woman whose courage and integrity have brought two depraved and dangerous men to justice and we are extremely grateful for her support.

“We will continue to vigorously pursue perpetrators like Stewart and Penny and encourage anyone who is subject to such abuse to contact us.

“You will be believed, and your information will be treated in the utmost confidence.”

Presiding over the sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts described the case as one of “virtually indescribable suffering”.

To Stewart, who sat throughout the entire hearing with his head face-down on a desk in custody, Judge Petts told him he had treated the girl in an “utterly horrific way”.

Judge Petts told Penny that, though he was involved to a “much lesser extent” than Stewart, he had caused the girl “severe psychological harm” nonetheless.

Both men received a lifetime restraining order, prohibiting them from ever contacting the girl again.

They are also banned for life from working with children or vulnerable adults, and must adhere to sex offenders register notification requirements indefinitely.

An indefinite sexual harm prevention order was issued to Penny.