JAMES THOMAS OF CARMARTHEN CONVICTED OF CHILD RAPE AND ABUSE IN SWANSEA CROWN COURT

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Carmarthen, James Thomas, a 42-year-old man residing on Mansel Street, was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse and rape of children. The conviction came after a detailed trial held at Swansea Crown Court, where the evidence presented painted a disturbing picture of ongoing abuse over several years.

Thomas faced a total of 21 charges, which he vehemently denied throughout the proceedings. These charges included 10 counts of child rape, with two of those involving victims under the age of 13. Additionally, he was accused of nine counts of sexual assault on minors and two counts of inciting or causing children to participate in sexual activities. The allegations spanned a period of years and involved multiple victims, each recounting traumatic experiences.

One of the victims, who was just five years old when the abuse began, described how Thomas had touched her inappropriately, with the misconduct continuing for approximately six years. Her account detailed a pattern of grooming and exploitation that left her deeply scarred. Another victim, who was 11 at the time, recounted how the abuse started with inappropriate touching and escalated to rape before she turned 13. She revealed that the abuse persisted for an additional three years, highlighting the prolonged nature of Thomas’s predatory behavior.

Thomas, who previously worked as a delivery driver, was arrested by officers from Dyfed-Powys Police in January 2020 after a victim came forward with her allegations. Throughout the trial, Thomas maintained his innocence, claiming that the victims had fabricated their stories. Despite his denials, the court found the evidence compelling enough to convict him on all counts after a five-day trial.

Following the verdict, Thomas was remanded into custody. His sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday, 29 March, where he faces the possibility of a lengthy prison term for his crimes. The case has brought to light the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators lurking within communities like Carmarthen.