Crime

Former teacher from Carmarthen found guilty of historic rape

Published

9 months 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

Pembroke Dock woman admits breaching community order

Published

2 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates revoke sentence after missed appointments

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has admitted breaching the terms of a community order.

Shannon Charge, aged 30, of Pater Court, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

She admitted failing to attend a scheduled probation appointment and a drug dependency appointment.

Magistrates revoked the existing community order and ordered her to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the order related to earlier offences, for which she had been made subject to rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements. A further review hearing is listed for March 2.

Crime

Milford Haven man given extra unpaid work after breaching court order

Published

2 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates add hours after missed appointments

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been ordered to complete extra unpaid work after breaching the terms of a community order.

Peter Jones, aged 33, of Precelly Place, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

He admitted failing to attend scheduled unpaid work and a probation appointment earlier this month.

Magistrates varied the order, imposing an additional 10 hours of unpaid work. Jones was also ordered to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the original community order followed an earlier conviction.

Crime

Dorset man stopped at Fishguard ferry given domestic violence order

Published

2 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates told of 13 prior incidents as protection order imposed

A DORSET man was stopped by police at Fishguard Harbour while attempting to travel to Ireland and has now been made subject to a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

Nathaniel Cruickshank, aged 22, of Gillingham, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

The court heard he had travelled to Pembrokeshire on January 30 and was intercepted at the ferry port while planning to board a sailing to Ireland with his partner, prompting police intervention.

Magistrates were told Cruickshank has a lengthy history of domestic violence and abusive behaviour, with officers having attended 13 separate incidents involving him.

Prosecutors outlined a number of previous allegations, including an incident in which he punched his mother in the face and another where he smashed a family television with a guitar after being refused money.

The court also heard that on January 29 a protected person attended their GP surgery expressing fear of him, triggering safeguarding measures.

Police subsequently served a Domestic Violence Protection Notice, and Cruickshank was later arrested at Fishguard.

Magistrates granted a 28-day Domestic Violence Protection Order preventing him from threatening or using violence, making any direct or indirect contact with the protected person, or returning to her address.

Issuing a warning in court, magistrates told him any breach would have serious consequences.

Cruickshank was ordered to pay £284 in costs to Dyfed-Powys Police.