DAVID HANRATTY: DANGEROUS CHILD RAPIST FROM HAVERFORDWEST AND PEMBROKE DOCK SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN PRISON

DAVID HANRATTY: DANGEROUS CHILD RAPIST FROM HAVERFORDWEST AND PEMBROKE DOCK SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN PRISON

In a significant case that has sent shockwaves through the Pembrokeshire community, David Hanratty, a man with a disturbing criminal history, was convicted of multiple heinous offenses involving young girls. The incidents spanned several years and involved the abuse of minors aged between eight and 15, highlighting the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to society.

Hanratty, who was once a familiar face in Pembroke Dock, where he drove children to school, had his life forever altered by the court proceedings. He was found guilty of raping or indecently assaulting five young girls after a trial at Swansea Crown Court. The court heard that Hanratty’s actions were part of a disturbing pattern, and a probation report described him as a continuing threat to children, emphasizing the danger he represented.

Despite denying the charges, Hanratty was convicted on all counts. The presiding judge, Gerald Price, did not hold back in his assessment of Hanratty’s dangerousness. He described him as “highly dangerous” and stated that Hanratty had engaged in “a campaign of rape.” The judge made it clear that Hanratty’s release from prison would not occur until the Parole Board was convinced that he no longer posed a threat to young children. In fact, Judge Price warned that this might never happen, effectively condemning Hanratty to a potentially indefinite period of incarceration.

During the sentencing, it was revealed that Hanratty, who had previously been convicted of eight rapes and 14 indecency offenses, had a history of abusing his position of trust. At one point, he was responsible for transporting children to school, a role that he exploited to commit his crimes. The court also learned that as police closed in on him, Hanratty attempted to take his own life by overdosing on tablets. He was subsequently arrested as he was leaving Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

One of Hanratty’s victims, a young girl, tearfully testified in court, expressing her disgust and outrage that he had ever been allowed near children. She recounted her efforts to report her concerns to his employers, highlighting the impact of his actions on her and others. Her emotional testimony underscored the profound and lasting trauma inflicted by Hanratty’s crimes.

Judge Price addressed Hanratty directly, warning him that the long-term effects on his victims are impossible to fully gauge. He remarked that Hanratty’s outward appearance of gentleness was merely a facade concealing his true nature. The judge also emphasized that Hanratty’s continued detention might be indefinite, given the severity of his offenses and the danger he posed.

As part of his sentence, Hanratty was ordered to register as a sex offender with the police for the rest of his life. Additionally, he was permanently banned from working with children, a measure aimed at preventing any future harm. The case has left a lasting impact on the local communities of Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predators like David Hanratty.