DAFYDD CLACK SENTENCED IN CARDIFF FOR REPEATED SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In February 2019, Dafydd Clack, a 31-year-old from Abercerdin Road in Gilfach Goch, was convicted of multiple crimes involving a young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons. Over a prolonged period, Clack engaged in a pattern of horrific sexual abuse, which Judge Timothy Petts described as having 'robbed [her] of her childhood.'

The victim, who struggled to speak publicly about her ordeal, shared how she was deeply affected by Clack’s actions. Her personal statement revealed that she felt suicidal and resorted to alcohol and drug misuse—specifically heavy drinking and smoking cannabis—as a way to cope. Prosecutor Heath Edwards expressed, 'The abuse she suffered at the hands of [the defendant] robbed her of her childhood.'

Court proceedings highlighted that her friends and teachers mistook her shyness and quietness for her natural personality, unaware that she was trapped in a state of constant fear and self-disgust. She explained that her struggles extended to low self-esteem and difficulty functioning daily, leading her to the brink of self-harm. Although she was entrenched in a pattern of self-destructive behavior, she has since begun to turn her life around.

The impact of Clack’s offending extended beyond her mental health, affecting her ability to establish relationships. She also reported enduring night terrors and having vivid, traumatic memories of the abuse. She expressed hope that seeing Clack sentenced would give her the strength to confront her ongoing difficulties.

The court took note of Clack’s criminal history, which included 66 prior offenses, although none were for sexual offenses. Clack was found guilty of nine counts of sexual intercourse with a girl, two counts of indecent assault, one count of raping a child, and one count of making a threat to kill—this last charge being connected to threats made when the offenses came to light.

In her sentencing, Judge Petts acknowledged the lasting damage caused by Clack’s actions, stating, 'What you did to her over the years has had a lasting impact upon her. It is clear that her memories are still very painful.' Clack was sentenced to ten years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. Additionally, an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed. The judge concluded with well-wishes to the victim, saying, 'No sentence that I pass can make good the damage you did. I express my best wishes to her for the future.'