By Grâçia Ada Obi
A ‘sexual predator’ repeatedly raped a teenage girl who he taught how to use a crack pipe while grooming her. The victim said the paedophile had stolen her “innocence and virginity”.
Robert Davies, 42, of Bargoed, Caerphilly United Kingdom (UK) took advantage of the vulnerable girl who had been reported missing by her family. She was introduced to the defendant via an acquaintance in order for him to sexually abuse her, and called her “kindergarten.”
During his sentencing comments at a hearing at Newport Crown Court on Friday 24 January, Judge Daniel Williams said: “You and your associates sacrificed (the victim) for your warped sexual gratification.” Davies raped the victim multiple times. On occasions the victim was worried she would become pregnant and took the morning after pill.
The defendant was described as an “intimidating presence” and was prone to outbursts of rage, which caused the victim to be fearful of his actions. He could become violent when raping the girl, and ripped her underwear on one occasion.
Judge Williams said Davies would demand intimate photos of the victim so he could share them with others and supplied the victim with crack cocaine, as well as showing her how to use a crack pipe. Giving evidence during her trial, the victim said: “It made me feel sick at first but I liked it after the first occasion. I wasn’t into any of that before we met.”
Davies, of Heolddu Grove, was arrested on July 19, 2022, when police attended his home and found the victim in his bed. He was later found guilty of four counts of raping a girl aged over 13. The court heard he has five previous convictions for offences of violence and drink driving.
In a victim personal statement read to the court by prosecutor Ieuan Bennett, the victim said: “(Davies) was an older man who preyed on my vulnerability and young age, I came to realise this man took advantage of a young innocent child so he could get his own gratification. He took away my innocence and virginity. For all the nights I was with him he wanted nothing more than sex from me, I froze because I was scared, my stomach turned and I lost my voice because I was unable to say no and unable to stand up to him. I was a young child in the hands of a sexual predator.
“(I had) Feelings for myself of self disgust, shame and angry. I had no control over what was happening to me in my life, I felt sick in my stomach and weak. I wish I had the courage to stand up and say no, this was wrong and I was a child, but I wouldn’t because I was scared of him, I felt powerless and useless. He took something away from me I can never get back. I was sexually abused when I was a child and left with scars which still impact me today. I struggle with emotions and find it extremely difficult to move on with my life. I become overwhelmed with emotion when I try and open up about the abuse I suffered at the hands of (Davies)…
“These should have been the best times of my life but I just locked myself away. I wish it was a dream I could wake up from but it wasn’t a dream and will be with me till the day I die. I hope to move on with my life, be successful and happy in my own skin again.”
In mitigation, Peter Donnison said his client had not previously committed a sexual offence and this would be his first custodial sentence. Sentencing, Judge Williams said: “(The victim) says you took away her innocence and self respect. She suffered unimaginable pain and fear and you shattered her confidence.”
Davies was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, of which he will serve two thirds in custody before he is released to serve the remainder on licence. He was made subject to a restraining order and sex offender notification requirements indefinitely.
