LAWRENCE DAVIES SHAMES CARDIFF AND GRANGETOWN WITH SEX ABUSE SCANDAL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Cardiff and Grangetown, Lawrence Davies, a once-respected priest, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after being found guilty of multiple charges of sexual abuse involving two young boys. The conviction marks a dark chapter in the history of the Church in Wales, highlighting the betrayal of trust by a man who was supposed to be a spiritual guide and protector.

Lawrence Davies, who served as a canon at St. Paul’s Church in Grangetown for over 25 years, faced a three-week trial at Cardiff Crown Court. Throughout the proceedings, Davies maintained his innocence, denying all 12 charges of sexual assault and serious sexual assault brought against him. The victims, who were just 12 and a bit older at the time of the abuse, testified about the trauma they endured at the hands of the priest. One of the victims was only 12 when the assaults began, a fact that added to the gravity of the case.

The court also cleared Davies of a separate charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice, but the remaining charges resulted in a guilty verdict. Judge Christopher Llewellyn QC delivered the sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed. He stated, “It is perhaps difficult to imagine a graver breach of trust than for a priest to sexually abuse two young members of his flock. This type of behaviour just cannot be tolerated in a civilised society.” The judge further criticized Davies for showing no remorse, describing the case as a deeply sad and troubling one. “You have not shown the slightest remorse. It is a very sad task for a judge to have to sentence a man who on the one hand has devoted much of his life to the welfare of his parishioners, but on the other, led a darker life where two young boys were corrupted for your own sexual satisfaction,” he remarked.

As Davies was led away from the courtroom, members of the public gallery reacted with outrage. Shouts of condemnation echoed through the court, with one individual shouting, “God will never forgive you,” while others called him “scum” and “Satan’s helper.” The judge ordered Davies to serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole. Additionally, upon release, Davies will be required to register as a sex offender, a measure aimed at protecting the community from further harm.

Davies, who will never be able to serve as an Anglican priest again, faces a disciplinary hearing within the Church in Wales. The outcome of this internal process could see him being defrocked, stripping him of his clerical status entirely. Following the verdict, Bishop of Llandaff, Dr. Barry Morgan, described the case as “an awful case of abuse over a long period of time,” expressing his deep regret and apology to the victims. “All I can say on behalf of the church to these young men is I am terribly sorry,” he added.

One of Davies’ victims, who has chosen to remain anonymous, reflected on the verdict, saying, “I don’t know whether to feel elated or sad. I feel that righteous justice has been served—I don’t hate him; I feel sorry for him. But I am glad he can’t do this to anyone else.” The trial revealed that the abuse began shortly after Davies was appointed as vicar in the early 1970s. Both victims eventually became priests within the Anglican church, a testament to the lasting impact of Davies’ actions.

During the trial, Davies admitted to watching pornography and lying to police about having a girlfriend. He explained that he fabricated the story about the girlfriend because he feared the police might suspect he was homosexual. Earlier in the proceedings, he was acquitted of one charge involving the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy, following instructions from Judge Christopher Llewellyn-Jones QC.

Despite the conviction, some parishioners expressed disbelief. Pam Propert, a member of Davies’ congregation, said, “He will do anything for anybody—nobody could ask for a better parish priest.” The case has left a lasting scar on the community, raising questions about trust, safeguarding, and the responsibilities of religious leaders in Cardiff and Grangetown.