Dominik Szymanski raped and beat the woman at his flat before stealing her dog. She was found dead the day after giving evidence against him

A SWANSEA man has been jailed for 16 years after raping and assaulting a vulnerable woman he had met only hours earlier.

Dominik Szymanski, 47, attacked the woman at his flat in Matthew Street, Swansea, after the pair met in the city centre on September 2 last year.

Swansea Crown Court heard both had their dogs with them when they began talking, before going back to his nearby flat.

Once inside, Szymanski subjected the woman to a prolonged attack. CCTV later showed him dragging her from the property and leaving her in a lift.

In the days after the attack, he kept the woman’s dog and arranged to sell it. The animal was later returned.

Szymanski denied rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm but was convicted by a jury after a 10-day trial. He later admitted stealing the dog.

The court heard the woman gave evidence against him during the trial. The following day, she was found dead. An inquest has yet to determine the cause of death.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman’s mother said her daughter was a devoted animal lover who looked “broken” after the attack and the loss of her pet.

She said her daughter had worked hard to tackle addiction issues and had written a list of things she still wanted to do with her life.

Her mother told the court: “In my eyes, his actions killed my child.”

Sentencing Szymanski, Judge Geraint Walters described the case as “disturbing” and said he had seen the woman as someone vulnerable who he could take advantage of.

The judge said she had been a “most compelling and honest witness”, despite the difficulties she had faced with drink and drugs.

He said he could not conclude that she had taken her own life because of what had happened, but added that the timing of her death was “particularly sad”.

Addressing Szymanski, he said: “What you did to her had a profound emotional effect on her.”

The court also heard Szymanski had previous convictions, including assaulting a former partner, battery, and assaulting a police officer.

He was sentenced as a dangerous offender to an extended 16-year term, made up of 12 years in custody and a further four years on licence.

He must serve two-thirds of the custodial term before he can apply for release. Any release will be decided by the Parole Board. He will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Claire Davies, of South Wales Police, described the attack as “prolonged and significant” and called Szymanski a “truly despicable offender”.

She said the outcome had brought relief to the victim’s family and friends, adding that police hoped the case would reassure victims of sexual abuse that they will be listened to and treated with dignity and respect.

Anyone affected by the issues in this article can contact Samaritans free on 116 123 or by emailing [email protected].

Coastguard helicopter spotted two casualties after light aircraft came down off west Wales coast

TWO people were taken to hospital after a light aircraft ditched into the sea off the west Wales coast on Friday evening.

New Quay RNLI said its all-weather lifeboat was launched at 6:06pm following a direct page from Milford Haven Coastguard.

The emergency followed reports that an aeroplane had come down in the sea approximately 10 miles north-west of Cemaes Head, with two people on board.

The New Quay all-weather lifeboat proceeded at best speed to the scene, alongside a Coastguard helicopter, RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat and RNLI Cardigan Lifeboat.

The two casualties were spotted by the Coastguard helicopter before being recovered by Cardigan Lifeboat.

They were then transferred to the larger New Quay all-weather lifeboat, where crew members were able to provide casualty care during the return to shore.

Both casualties were brought ashore at New Quay’s main pier and handed over to the Welsh Ambulance Service. They were then transferred to hospital.

Photographs from the incident show lifeboat crews operating in choppy sea conditions, an ambulance waiting at New Quay harbour, and the aircraft partially submerged in Cardigan Bay.

One image appears to show the aircraft floating with part of the fuselage, wings and tail visible above the water.

A navigation warning was later issued after a partially submerged microlight was reported adrift in Cardigan Bay.

The cause of the ditching has not yet been confirmed.

The aircraft’s departure point, intended destination and route have not yet been officially released.

New Quay RNLI confirmed that after the casualties were handed over, its all-weather lifeboat was recovered, rehoused and made ready for further service.

The incident involved a major multi-agency response from HM Coastguard, the Coastguard helicopter, New Quay RNLI, Fishguard RNLI, Cardigan RNLI and the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Aircraft accidents and serious incidents in the UK are reported to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.

THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.

Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.

Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.

Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.

Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.

“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.

“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”

The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.

HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.