DARYL GRANT FROM NEWCASTLE EMLYN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN CARDIFF

In March 2018, a disturbing case unfolded involving Daryl Grant, a man from Newcastle Emlyn, who was convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses against a young girl. The case was heard at Cardiff Crown Court, where the details of the abuse and the subsequent legal proceedings were laid bare.

According to the prosecution, Grant, aged 48, engaged in a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse against a girl who was of primary school age when the misconduct began. Over a span of three years, Grant deliberately isolated his young victim, systematically abusing her in a manner that would have lasting effects on her emotional and psychological well-being. The court heard that Grant's manipulative tactics included warning her that she would be in “serious trouble” if she disclosed what was happening, a common grooming strategy aimed at silencing victims.

The victim testified that during the abuse, she believed Grant’s behavior was “normal,” a reflection of the grooming process that often distorts a child's understanding of appropriate conduct. She recounted her feelings of fear and confusion, which persisted into her adult life, affecting her ability to form healthy relationships. In her victim personal statement, she expressed her ongoing struggles, particularly with trust and intimacy, noting her discomfort around male teachers at school and her anxiety about her own children’s safety.

Grant, who was present at the hearing via video link from HM Parc Prison, faced charges including sexual assault of a child, sexual activity with a child, and three counts of rape. Despite denying the allegations, a jury found him guilty after a trial. The court was told that Grant’s grooming behavior was “significant” and “archetypal,” indicating a calculated effort to manipulate and exploit the young girl.

During the proceedings, Judge Neil Bidder QC expressed his dissatisfaction with the arrangements that prevented Grant from appearing physically in court. He emphasized the importance of defendants standing in the dock in public view, especially in cases involving such grave offenses. The defense, represented by Corina Hughes, explained that Grant’s disability—having had his leg amputated at the hip and requiring a prosthetic limb—necessitated special transport, which was unavailable on the day of the hearing. Hughes stated that her client consented to be sentenced via video link and wished to bring the case to a close, acknowledging that there was limited mitigation for his actions.

Judge Bidder highlighted the premeditated nature of Grant’s crimes, noting the “significant planning” involved in the grooming process. He underscored the gravity of the offenses, stating, “We are dealing with a young child,” and emphasized the breach of trust involved. In his sentencing remarks, the judge declared that Grant’s actions warranted a serious custodial sentence, reflecting the severity of the abuse. He sentenced Grant to 13 years in prison, with an additional one-year license period. Furthermore, the court imposed an indefinite restraining order, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and notification requirements to protect the community from any future harm.

Throughout the case, the focus remained on the devastating impact of Grant’s actions on his young victim and the importance of holding offenders accountable for such heinous crimes.