DAVID CAREY FROM WILLIAMS – BRIDGEND SENTENCED AFTER 20-YEAR RUN FROM JUSTICE IN THE UK

In a significant development in the fight against long-standing sexual offenses, David Carey, a man originally from Bridgend, has finally been brought to justice after evading authorities for over two decades. The case, which dates back to the 1990s, involves the abuse of a young girl over a period of three years, starting when she was just 10 years old. The victim endured repeated sexual touching and indecent assaults, with Carey’s actions leaving a lasting impact on her life.

Carey, now aged 58, was identified as the perpetrator of these heinous acts after the victim reported the abuse to the police in 2000. Following her report, Carey fled the United Kingdom, escaping abroad in an attempt to evade justice. His flight took him to Lanzarote, where he remained for several years before authorities managed to track him down. It was only in 2013 that Welsh police, working in collaboration with the National Crime Agency, the Foreign Office, and Sri Lankan authorities, located Carey in Sri Lanka.

His arrest finally occurred in October 2021 at Heathrow Airport as he attempted to return to the UK unnoticed. Police confirmed that Carey was found in possession of evidence related to the original offences, which further implicated him in the crimes committed years earlier. The arrest marked a significant breakthrough in a case that had long haunted the victim and the community.

At Cardiff Crown Court on a recent Friday, Carey was sentenced to a total of 12 years and three months in prison. The court heard that over the three-year period, Carey engaged in multiple instances of sexual contact and indecent assault against his young victim. He faced ten counts of sexual activity with a child, to which he pleaded guilty to eight. The remaining two counts, he chose to leave on file, meaning he did not contest them in court.

South Wales Police’s Detective Superintendent Mark O’Shea expressed his thoughts on the case, emphasizing the emotional toll endured by the victim. He stated, “Now in her 30s, she had to wait far too long for justice because of the cynical, cowardly and calculated way in which Williams fled the UK. But I do hope that today’s sentence will enable her to put this traumatic chapter behind her and move on with her life.”

O’Shea’s comments highlight the importance of persistent law enforcement efforts in bringing offenders to justice, regardless of how long it takes. The case serves as a reminder of the resilience of victims and the ongoing commitment of authorities to protect children and pursue justice, even after many years have passed.