**Llandybie Man Jailed for Prolonged Sexual Abuse of Two Young Girls**
A man from Carmarthenshire has been sentenced to 13 years behind bars after being found guilty of subjecting two young girls to years of horrific sexual abuse, including rape. The case has prompted police to urge anyone affected by similar crimes to come forward, no matter how much time has passed.
Lloyd Davies, 29, from Caecoed in Llandybie, stood trial at Swansea Crown Court, where a jury convicted him of a litany of serious sexual offences. The charges included three counts of raping a child under 13, multiple offences of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault of a child, and the creation of indecent images of a child. The abuse reportedly commenced during what appeared to be innocent circumstances, one incident occurring while Davies and a victim played the popular video game, Minecraft.
During the trial, the court heard how evidence relating to the computer game aided the prosecution in establishing the credibility of both the victims and their statements. The digital context of the abuse was essential in unravelling the timeline of events and substantiating the children’s harrowing accounts.
After Davies was taken into custody, a second girl found the courage to come forward, revealing the far-reaching impact of his actions. The court was presented with moving victim impact statements outlining the trauma and long-term damage that Davies’ conduct had caused. One of the victims described deep scars left on her mental health, expressing how her sense of self and her ability to live a normal life had been shattered. “From day one I knew it was not right. It was like a sinking feeling,” she confessed in court. She further went on to say she felt guilt and a loss of control, blaming herself for Davies’ reprehensible acts.
The second girl’s statement, read by prosecution counsel Helen Randall, revealed the insidious nature of the abuse. She touched on how her abuser made her feel his behaviour was normal, but the reality left her deeply uncomfortable and robbed of any sense of safety or childhood. Tragically, she disclosed an attempted suicide as a direct consequence of her ordeal, highlighting the devastating, lasting consequences of such crimes.
In his defence, Davies’ barrister James Hartson attempted to spotlight his client’s social anxiety and limited experience with adult relationships, painting a picture of a reclusive individual who has faced additional turmoil since his arrest. Nevertheless, Davies continued to deny the offences during legal proceedings, despite the overwhelming evidence presented against him.
Passing sentence, Judge Geraint Walters condemned Davies’ actions and emphasised the lifelong harm suffered by his victims, stating unequivocally that recovery from such traumatic events is seldom complete. Judge Walters imposed two lifelong restraining orders, barring Davies from contacting either victim ever again, and he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. The sentence handed down was comprised of twelve years in prison, followed by an additional year for public protection due to the risk the judge believed Davies continued to pose.
Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock of Dyfed-Powys Police expressed gratitude to the brave victims who stepped forward and assisted police in delivering justice, and highlighted the importance of reporting historical offences. “Justice can still be served years after any abuse,” he said, urging others in similar situations not to be deterred by the passage of time. DS Pocock stressed that specialist officers are available to support and listen to those prepared to disclose their experiences, regardless of when the offending occurred.
Detective Constable Katie Rees was thanked for leading the investigation with empathy and professionalism, guiding the victims and their families through a difficult process and helping them provide clear accounts in court. Police also relayed a message from the victims expressing gratitude for the support received from the authorities throughout the ordeal. They encouraged others who may be suffering in silence to seek help and reassurance that their voices will be heard.
Judge Walters and police alike hope the outcome brings some sense of closure to those affected and encourages other victims of sexual abuse to come forward, safe in the knowledge that support and justice are available. If you or someone you know has been affected by similar crimes, there are dedicated services available offering advice, support and a clear path to report to the authorities.