A man described as a “devious predator” has been sentenced to over eight years in prison after causing lasting psychological trauma to three teenage girls. The man, Daniel Davies, aged 38 and from Hengoed in Caerphilly, was convicted of a series of sexual offences perpetrated against vulnerable teenage victims, with the abuses taking place on multiple occasions. Cardiff Crown Court heard harrowing details of how the lives of Davies’ victims have been irreparably affected by his predatory actions.
During his trial, it emerged that Davies repeatedly exposed himself and engaged in explicit acts in the presence of the girls. In addition, he subjected two of them to sexual touching, including inappropriate contact on their clothing and through rips in their jeans, despite their objections. Notably, these offences occurred during a critical time in the young women’s development, compounding the harm.
When initially confronted by police, Davies denied any wrongdoing, but he changed his plea to guilty on the day his trial was set to begin. He admitted to four charges of sexual assault and six of indecent exposure. His legal troubles did not end there; it was revealed during sentencing that he would also face judgement for dangerous driving and driving while disqualified relating to a separate incident that occurred the previous August.
The emotional toll of Davies’ crimes came into stark focus as all three victims submitted personal statements to the court. Their accounts, read out by prosecutor Emma Harris and, at times, the victims themselves, painted a poignant picture of the enduring psychological effects of the abuse.
One victim recounted how the incidents happened during her final year at school, a time supposed to be marked by personal growth and achievement. Instead, she described losing all motivation, falling behind with her studies, and eventually withdrawing from school altogether. She turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, enduring nights of distress and isolation.
Another spoke about her struggle with confidence and her initial reluctance to reveal the abuse. She told the court how Davies manipulated her into silence, normalising inappropriate behaviour and deepening her sense of worthlessness. Haunted by memories, this victim found herself unable to sleep, resorted to substance misuse, and even began self-harming as she grappled with the fallout.
The third young woman broke down as she shared her ordeal, explaining that she suffered from persistent nightmares featuring Davies and harboured a deep-seated fear of being touched—even by herself. Her life became increasingly restricted; she stopped eating properly, began drinking, and felt unable to attend school for prolonged periods.
The court heard that Davies has a record of 14 previous convictions, mainly for dishonesty and driving offences, but none for sexual crimes prior to these charges. Defence counsel Abigail Jackson pointed out that Davies had surrendered to authorities and emphasised that the offences did not involve any genital contact, although this did little to mitigate the severity of the harm inflicted.
Judge Simon Mills delivered a stinging rebuke as he handed down the sentence, expressing doubt that Davies felt any genuine remorse despite his guilty plea. The judge stated, “You have, in each case, spoiled their lives,” referencing the lives of three “excellent young women”. The sentencing included a total of eight years and four months in prison, accompanied by a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and compulsory sex offender registration requirements. Additionally, Davies faces a more than three-year driving ban upon his eventual release.
A request for Davies’ custody photograph was declined by Gwent Police, with authorities citing concerns for victim welfare as the reason. This sensitive approach reflects a wider awareness of the ongoing impact that press attention and publicity can have on survivors of abuse.
The case is a sobering reminder of the enduring psychological scars left by sexual predators. It also highlights the resilience and courage of the victims, who spoke out despite profound personal suffering. As the community reacts to the outcome, the focus remains on supporting survivors in rebuilding their lives after such ordeals.