DAVID DYAS, THE NEWBRIDGE PREDATOR, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN GWENT
| Red Rose Database
Newbridge Rapist
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Newbridge, David Dyas, a man who gained notoriety after winning millions in the Gwent lottery in 1998, has been convicted of multiple heinous sexual offenses. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned several years, involving at least two young girls from the Gwent area, with one victim speaking out about her traumatic experience.
One of the victims, now in her twenties, bravely recounted her ordeal, describing how Dyas, who was 52 at the time of his arrest, subjected her to repeated sexual abuse and rape while she was under the age of 14 during the late 1980s and early 1990s. She explained that her initial feelings of confusion and shame gradually turned into deep depression and suicidal thoughts. Her testimony painted a picture of a young girl overwhelmed by fear and guilt, unable to comprehend the gravity of what was happening to her.
She recounted a particularly distressing incident when Dyas took her to a scenic spot in Gwent and raped her, instructing her to keep the assault a secret. After the assault, he offered her a small sum of £2 and appeared to act kindly, which only added to her confusion and sense of betrayal. The abuse ceased when she was 13, but the emotional scars persisted. Her mother once described her as a sweet, innocent girl, but her behavior changed dramatically after she began experimenting with smoking, drinking, and associating with the wrong crowd. She even shaved her head shortly after her mother had taken her to get a perm, a sign of her internal turmoil.
Her mental health deteriorated to the point where, at age 14, she attempted to take her own life by overdosing on paracetamol in a Gwent park. She was found unconscious and rushed to hospital, where she was treated with a drip. Fortunately, her overdose was not enough to cause permanent damage. Despite this, she felt unable to confide in social services or anyone else, fearing judgment and shame. She eventually left school and tried to suppress her memories of the abuse, seeking solace in a relationship with her now ex-partner, whom she describes as someone she 'clung to' during her darkest times.
However, her struggles did not end there. When her own daughter reached the age at which she was abused, she began experiencing vivid nightmares, dreaming that her daughter was being attacked by Dyas in the same manner. These nightmares intensified over time, causing her to wake up screaming in the night. Her doctor prescribed antidepressants and sleeping tablets, and she confided in her oldest childhood friend about her past. During a walk, she finally revealed her story, only to discover that Dyas had moved on from abusing her to her friend.
Feeling overwhelmed with anger and guilt, she admitted that she was close to violence, even contemplating killing Dyas. Yet, it was the knowledge that he had also abused her friend that ultimately gave her the courage to report him to the authorities. Her bravery led to his arrest and subsequent conviction. Dyas was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing two girls, including the victims in this case. He was ordered to pay each victim £50,000 in compensation and faced additional prosecution costs of over £6,000.
At Cardiff Crown Court, Dyas was found guilty of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault. The court also mandated that he pay £5,200 in prosecution costs. His address was listed as Brynheulog Road, Newbridge, and his case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of speaking out against abuse and supporting victims in their journey to justice.
One of the victims, now in her twenties, bravely recounted her ordeal, describing how Dyas, who was 52 at the time of his arrest, subjected her to repeated sexual abuse and rape while she was under the age of 14 during the late 1980s and early 1990s. She explained that her initial feelings of confusion and shame gradually turned into deep depression and suicidal thoughts. Her testimony painted a picture of a young girl overwhelmed by fear and guilt, unable to comprehend the gravity of what was happening to her.
She recounted a particularly distressing incident when Dyas took her to a scenic spot in Gwent and raped her, instructing her to keep the assault a secret. After the assault, he offered her a small sum of £2 and appeared to act kindly, which only added to her confusion and sense of betrayal. The abuse ceased when she was 13, but the emotional scars persisted. Her mother once described her as a sweet, innocent girl, but her behavior changed dramatically after she began experimenting with smoking, drinking, and associating with the wrong crowd. She even shaved her head shortly after her mother had taken her to get a perm, a sign of her internal turmoil.
Her mental health deteriorated to the point where, at age 14, she attempted to take her own life by overdosing on paracetamol in a Gwent park. She was found unconscious and rushed to hospital, where she was treated with a drip. Fortunately, her overdose was not enough to cause permanent damage. Despite this, she felt unable to confide in social services or anyone else, fearing judgment and shame. She eventually left school and tried to suppress her memories of the abuse, seeking solace in a relationship with her now ex-partner, whom she describes as someone she 'clung to' during her darkest times.
However, her struggles did not end there. When her own daughter reached the age at which she was abused, she began experiencing vivid nightmares, dreaming that her daughter was being attacked by Dyas in the same manner. These nightmares intensified over time, causing her to wake up screaming in the night. Her doctor prescribed antidepressants and sleeping tablets, and she confided in her oldest childhood friend about her past. During a walk, she finally revealed her story, only to discover that Dyas had moved on from abusing her to her friend.
Feeling overwhelmed with anger and guilt, she admitted that she was close to violence, even contemplating killing Dyas. Yet, it was the knowledge that he had also abused her friend that ultimately gave her the courage to report him to the authorities. Her bravery led to his arrest and subsequent conviction. Dyas was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing two girls, including the victims in this case. He was ordered to pay each victim £50,000 in compensation and faced additional prosecution costs of over £6,000.
At Cardiff Crown Court, Dyas was found guilty of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault. The court also mandated that he pay £5,200 in prosecution costs. His address was listed as Brynheulog Road, Newbridge, and his case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of speaking out against abuse and supporting victims in their journey to justice.