Man jailed for sexual assaults in the Vale of Glamorgan dating back up to 40 years

A 63-year-old man has been jailed for historical sexual assaults in the Vale of Glamorgan dating back up to 40 years.

Following an investigation by South Wales Police, Dennis Yarr was arrested in Margate, Kent, in December 2020.

His arrest was the result of a victim bravely coming forward to report being sexually assaulted while she was a young girl.

As a result of further enquiries, two more victims were traced.

All three were under the age of 12 at the time of the sexual assaults, which occurred in the late 1970s and early 1990s.

Yarr, who was originally from Scotland, was working in the Vale of Glamorgan as a bus and taxi driver.

He gave two of the girls gifts and told them not to tell anyone about his actions.

All three victims courageously gave statements to police and then evidence at court.

Investigative Assistant Steve Gunney from South Wales Police said:

“Dennis Yarr’s actions have had a devastating effect on the three women.
“But thanks to their bravery and a thorough investigation, Yarr has been brought to justice.
“He has shown no remorse and during cross examination, claimed that the three women were lying and had plotted together to make false allegations.”
"The victims only became aware that other victims existed after Yarr's arrest, and they never met during the three-year investigation nor at trial."

Yarr was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child following a week-long trial at Cardiff Crown Court last month (February 2024).

He was back in Cardiff Crown Court today (Wednesday, March 20) where he was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with a further one year on licence.

Yarr will remain on the sex offenders register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Mr Gunney added:

“South Wales Police takes all reports of sexual violence extremely seriously and it is never too late to report a crime.
“Help and support is available for all victims of sexual violence, and we would encourage any victims; no matter how long ago the offence happened, to please come forward.”

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