CARMARTHEN MAN JAILED FOR DATE RAPE DRUG SEXUAL ABUSE
A 52-year-old satellite TV installer named David Meachen from Priory Street, Carmarthen, received a 10-year prison sentence and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life after admitting to using the date rape drug GHB to assault a woman.The incident originated from a meeting with a 38-year-old woman, who was a divorcee, at a club in Carmarthen last year.
The woman awoke the following morning without clothes and suffered severe internal injuries.
Swansea Crown Court was told that she could not recall the details of the sexual encounter with Meachen.
Although her memory was limited, police initially questioned Meachen but released him without charges because she could only vaguely remember what had happened.
Four months later, police found a Lucozade bottle containing roughly 16 doses of GHB during a search of Meachen’s vehicle.
Prosecutor Kevin Riordan said this discovery prompted further investigation, and although he was not charged with rape, Meachen eventually pleaded guilty to indecent assault and causing grievous bodily harm.
The court was told that her injuries were linked to excessive sexual activity.
A jury found Meachen guilty of causing GBH with intent.
In sentencing, Judge Christopher Morton remarked that the victim had sought some sexual activity and was experimenting with the drug he provided, implying her consent was limited.
The judge also noted her vulnerability due to her ignorance about GHB and her intoxicated state.
Known by nicknames such as Dai Sky or Dai Dish, Meachen had been questioned previously after the woman made rape allegations but was released without charges then.
The case also highlighted the dangers of date rape drugs, with reports indicating a 23% rise in such incidents in Wales last year, mainly affecting women aged 25 to 30.
Drugs like Rohypnol and GHB are associated with memory loss and lowered inhibitions, complicating prosecution efforts.
The case underscores the importance of awareness and prevention of drug-facilitated sexual violence.
