AVRIL AND PETER GRIFFITHS CONVICTED OF RAPE IN CARDIFF

A couple described as resembling 'Fred and Rose West' has been found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting three young girls. Peter Griffiths was accused of exploiting his highly suggestible wife, Avril Griffiths, who has an extremely low IQ, to groom the children with alcohol and cigarettes. During their trial at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that the pair 'repeatedly sexually abused three young girls' from the 1970s through the 1990s.

Jurors heard that both Peter and Avril Griffiths raped the three girls. One of the victims compared them to 'Fred and Rose West,' notorious serial killers. She stated in court, 'I think if you ask most families in Barry, they'd hate them.' The jury took less than four hours to unanimously convict them of rape, indecent assault, and taking indecent photographs of a child.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins QC warned the defendants, saying, 'You can both expect a considerable sentence for the offences of which you have been found guilty. If I am satisfied either of you is a dangerous offender, an extended sentence or even a life sentence would be appropriate.'

Prosecutor Caroline Rees QC detailed disturbing acts, including the couple taking one of the girls 'dogging' and having sex with her in a van while others watched. The court also heard that one girl was taken on a boat in the Bristol Channel where Peter Griffiths raped her, and Avril Griffiths allegedly also sexually assaulted her aboard the vessel. The girl later told police she had been 'ripped apart physically' after suffering injuries.

Both accused denied all charges. During his testimony, Peter Griffiths denied raping or sexually assaulting the girls but admitted sleeping with one of them. He claimed there was a foursome involving himself, his wife, the complainant, and another man, describing it as 'tomfoolery' and 'messing about,' stating he believed she was 17 or 18 at the time. When asked if she could have been closer to 10, he responded, 'No way.'

David Etherington QC asked if he had ever taken the complainant for 'dogging' in a van; he replied, 'That never happened.' Regarding the alleged sexual abuse on a boat, Peter Griffiths said he remembered everything because it was part of his livelihood, explaining that his first boat was called Unity, used for fishing trips costing £8 per person, sometimes including police officers through the South Wales Police social club. He stated he provided tea and coffee, but not alcohol, and could supply fishing equipment if needed.

Addressing the 'sex parties' allegation on the boat, his barrister asked, 'Did you ever provide anything other than fishing rods and drinks, such as girls?' He replied confidently, 'Never.'

Avril Griffiths, aged 61, did not give evidence but a psychological report presented to the court by a consultant indicated her IQ was 'extremely low.' The report revealed that in 1972, when she was 15, she was assessed and found to be unable to understand what was really being said to her and to be 'terribly suggestible.' The court was told this assessment 'still stands.'

Peter Griffiths, aged 65 from Barry Road in Barry, denied eight counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault, and three counts of taking indecent photographs of a child. He was found guilty on all charges except one of taking indecent photographs, which was dropped. Avril Griffiths, also 61 from the same address, denied five counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, and three counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, and was found guilty on all counts except the one dropped.

The jury returned their verdicts in less than four hours. The couple is scheduled for sentencing on October 18 and remains in custody. Judge Jeremy Jenkins QC concluded, 'You can both expect a considerable sentence for the offences of which you have been found guilty. If I am satisfied either of you is a dangerous offender, an extended or life sentence would be appropriate.'