News

Father kept daughter locked away as sex prisoner [UPDATED]

Published

7 years ago

April 27, 2018

A 57-YEAR-OLD man from west Wales who raped his own daughters has been jailed for life today (Apr 27).

One of the girls was kept a prisoner in his home–and during her eight years never went to school, played outside, saw a cat or a dog or had a friend.

Judge Geraint Walters said at Swansea Crown Court she had been so deprived during her childhood she may never recover.

Her father, who lives west of Carmarthen, was jailed for life and told he would serve a minimum of 12 years behind bars before being allowed to apply for parole. But he will not be released until the parole board is satisfied he is no longer a danger to children. That, said Judge Walters, may never happen.

Robin Rouch, prosecuting, said the man raped his first daughter over a two year period and then separated from her mother.

He then spent time in Thailand but no-one knew what he had been doing there. On his return to west Wales he remarried and had a second daughter, who he also abused–this time with the help of his new wife.

She has been found guilty of child sex offences and will be sentenced at a later date.

The man’s offending was described by Judge Walters as “plunging to new depths of depravity”.

He managed to “home school” the younger girl but effectively kept her as a sex slave, said the judge: “not exactly locking her in a cellar- but not far from it.”

There were padlocks on all the doors and the curtains were always kept closed.

The girl was never allowed out and, consequently, had never played with friends, or gone swimming. She had never seen Christmas lights and had no concept of what a celebration was.

The effect on her was so profound, said Judge Walters, that she could not be left alone with other children for fear she would sexually abuse them.

“Sex is her only concept of love,” he added. “This was a campaign of rape and this wicked abuse will hit her harder as she grows older.”

He added: “You have ruined her life.”

The man admitted 25 offences of child sex abuse, including several rapes, and making indecent images of children.

He cannot be named to protect the identities of his daughters.

Dyfed-Powys Police said that they welcome the result following what has been a particularly difficult and sensitive investigation into the sexual abuse over a prolonged period for the young victims, who were naturally traumatised by the abuse they suffered.

Detective Inspector Phil Rowe said: “I am pleased with the sentence handed down today and that the offender is no longer able to cause harm to the young victims or anyone else. This was a protracted and challenging investigation with the main priority being the protection of the vulnerable victims.

“The crimes committed were abhorrent and I must commend the police officers and staff who worked tirelessly to bring them to justice.

“We would obviously wish for such offences never to occur in our communities and we work closely with colleagues in partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable people, but very sadly abuse still does happen.

“I hope there can be some reassurance felt within our communities that when such crimes are committed, we have dedicated, specially trained officers here prepared to work hard to ensure outcomes like today’s sentencing.

“I hope anyone else who has experienced similar abuse at any stage of their life can find courage from this case to see that all reports will be taken seriously by Dyfed-Powys Police and fully investigated.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

18 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

19 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.