ALAN DAVIES FROM GARNDIFFAITH FAILS IN COURT OF APPEAL OVER SEX CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

In April 2016, a significant legal setback was handed to Alan Clarke Davies, a 72-year-old resident of Garndiffaith, who is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence for a series of serious sexual offenses committed against young children. Despite his efforts to overturn his conviction, Davies' appeal was ultimately dismissed by the Court of Appeal, reaffirming the original verdict and sentencing.

Davies, who resides at Garnteg School Close in Garndiffaith near Pontypool, was convicted in June 2012 at Cardiff Crown Court on a total of eleven counts related to child sex offenses. The charges included five counts of gross indecency, four counts of indecent assault, and two counts of attempted sexual assault. Throughout the trial, Davies maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the crimes he was accused of. However, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him, leading to his eight-year imprisonment.

In March of the same year, Davies' legal team filed an appeal, seeking to have his convictions overturned and his sentence reduced or his release granted. The appeal process involved a thorough review of the case, with Davies' lawyers arguing that the jury had not been properly directed on how to interpret certain pieces of evidence presented during the trial. They contended that this procedural issue could have influenced the jury's decision and, therefore, the safety of the convictions.

After a careful examination that lasted approximately a month, the Court of Appeal, composed of three senior judges including Mr. Justice Turner, Lord Justice Davis, and Mrs. Justice Elisabeth Laing, convened to deliver their verdict. The judges unanimously dismissed Davies' appeal, with Mr. Justice Turner stating that the convictions were 'safe' and that none of the grounds for appeal demonstrated that the original verdicts were unsafe or unjustified.

The court also heard evidence indicating that Davies was a habitual drinker, and that his attacks on children reportedly occurred when he was under the influence of alcohol. During the proceedings, Davies claimed that he could not remember any of the alleged incidents, which his defense argued should have been considered more carefully in assessing his guilt.

Ultimately, the judges upheld the original convictions, confirming that Davies was guilty of multiple serious offenses involving the sexual abuse of children. The case underscores the ongoing concerns about safeguarding children and the importance of rigorous judicial processes in ensuring justice is served in such grave matters.