News
Relentless pursuit of Justice: Rapist behind bars as brave victim finds her voice
IN A VERDICT that has sent shockwaves through the community, Nathan Griffiths, 33, has been sentenced to six years in prison for two counts of rape, committed against a young girl aged 12 or 13 at the time, between January 2014 and January 2015. The relentless pursuit of justice resulted in a unanimous guilty verdict from the jury in July, delivering a sense of closure to the victim, whose identity remains protected due to legal reasons.
The harrowing incidents unfolded at a property in the Newcastle Emlyn area, where Griffiths, an adult at the time, perpetrated these heinous acts while the victim was alone and vulnerable. During the trial, the court learned that Griffiths, under the pretext of a seemingly innocent game of Minecraft, subjected the young girl to a nightmarish ordeal. Despite her refusals, he forcibly engaged in sexual acts, leaving an indelible scar on her young psyche.
Throughout the trial, prosecutor Robin Rouch detailed Griffiths’ chilling actions, revealing the victim’s bravery in the face of unspeakable trauma. The girl, now a young woman, had lived in fear of her assailant for years, terrified into silence by Griffiths’ threats. “I was scared to come forward for many years,” she said in a statement read by Mr. Rouch. “I found talking to the police incredibly difficult. I was scared about what Nathan would do if I ever reported it.” The victim further disclosed the haunting impact of the incident, describing daily flashbacks and a life forever altered.
Griffiths’ defence, led by David Singh, attempted to paint a picture of immaturity, citing mental and physical conditions. However, Judge Geraint Walters was resolute in his assessment. Addressing Griffiths, the judge said, “You developed an obsession with her. You considered her to be a future partner of yours. On this occasion, you forced yourself upon her by committing an oral rape and a vaginal rape.” The gravity of Griffiths’ actions was not lost on the court, as he received consecutive six-year sentences for each offence, both to run concurrently.
The judge highlighted the profound impact on the victim, noting the defendant’s threats that had silenced her for years. The court granted an indefinite restraining order against Griffiths, ensuring the victim’s safety in the future. Additionally, Griffiths will be a registered sex offender for life, underscoring the severity of his crimes.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of empowering survivors to come forward, offering them the support and protection they deserve. The courage displayed by the victim, who faced her assailant in court after years of fear and silence, has become a beacon of hope for others who have suffered in silence.
As the community grapples with the repercussions of this deeply disturbing case, it stands united in support of the victim and in condemnation of such heinous acts. The verdict, while a victory for justice, also highlights the pressing need for continued efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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