Crime

Former teacher from Carmarthen found guilty of historic rape

Published

1 year ago

May 6, 2025

A FORMER teacher and current restaurant manager has been found guilty of raping a woman more than 20 years ago.

Daniel Gravell, aged 43, of Porth Y Plas, Johnstown, Carmarthen, was convicted by a jury at Swansea Crown Court following a two-week trial. The offence took place at a property in Carmarthen in 2002.

The court heard that the victim had been feeling unwell after a night out and was helped to bed by friends. Gravell later entered the room where she was sleeping and raped her.

Giving evidence, the victim told the court: “I moved my head, opened my eyes and saw this awful face in front of me, really, really close. There was no sensation in my body. I couldn’t feel anything apart from weight on my chest. I said get off twice.”

Gravell, the court was told, attempted to reassure the woman by claiming he was her ex-boyfriend. After more than six hours of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

Gravell also faced two further charges of rape. He was found not guilty in relation to an allegation from 2022, while the jury was unable to reach a verdict on an alleged incident from 2005.

Judge Geraint Walters told the court that the 2005 allegation may be subject to a retrial, with a decision expected from the Crown Prosecution Service next week.

Gravell, who had previously worked as a teacher in Swansea and more recently as manager of the Baltic Inn and Restaurant near Carmarthen, was remanded in custody.

He is due to be sentenced at a later date.

The court also heard that Gravell was acquitted of rape in 2016 following a separate trial in Swansea.

Dyfed-Powys Police Detective Sergeant Lee James, officer in case, said: “First of all, I would like to commend the victims in this case for their strength and bravery in coming forward to make these difficult reports, and for their cooperation during our investigation.

“We’ve heard about the devastating the impact of Gravell’s actions, and I hope that all affected by this case can now start to move forward with their lives.”

“As for Gravell, I wholeheartedly agree with the victim who described him as a predator. This is a man who clearly bears no regard for the impact his disgraceful behaviour would undoubtedly have.”

Detective Inspector Dale Thomas added: “Reporting rape and sexual offences can be incredibly difficult and distressing, and as we’ve seen here it can take a number of years for victims to open up about their experiences. I would like to reassure that we deal with all reports sensitively and compassionately, and that we will do all we can to pursue the offender.”

If you need support for rape or sexual offence, you can find help and support here: Support after rape and sexual assault | Dyfed-Powys Police
To report a rape or sexual offence, visit our website here: Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Dyfed-Powys Police

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.