MICHAEL DAVIES FROM PENTWYN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN CARDIFF

In August 2005, a disturbing case unfolded involving Michael Davies, a man from Pentwyn who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against two young girls. Davies, aged 38 at the time, had ingrained himself into the lives of the victims by befriending their parents and gaining their trust under the guise of being a Mormon 'priest'.

Over a period of four months, Davies took the two girls, both under the age of 10, on various day trips, during which he committed acts of sexual abuse. His manipulative tactics and false religious persona allowed him to exploit the trust placed in him by the girls' families, leading to a series of traumatic experiences for the young victims.

The criminal investigation was initiated after one of the girls, motivated by a desire to protect herself and her friend, persuaded the other to report the abuse to the authorities. This courageous act prompted a police raid on Davies' residence located in Pant Glas, Pentwyn, Cardiff. During the search, officers uncovered not only evidence of the abuse but also discovered indecent images of children stored on his home computer, further implicating him in child exploitation.

Davies appeared before Cardiff Crown Court to face justice, where he pleaded guilty to 13 counts of sexual offenses involving the young girls. Additionally, he requested that four charges related to the possession of indecent images be considered as part of his sentencing. The court was informed that Davies had a prior conviction from ten years earlier for indecently exposing himself to a 15-year-old girl on a train, highlighting a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.

Representing Davies, defense lawyer Karl Williams explained that his client was suffering from paralysis on one side of his body due to a stroke, which he claimed was a mitigating factor. Williams also stated that Davies now recognized the wrongfulness of his actions and expressed remorse.

However, presiding Judge Christopher Llewellyn-Jones QC was unequivocal in his sentencing. He sentenced Davies to an indefinite term of imprisonment, with a minimum of nearly three years before he could be considered for parole. The judge emphasized the profound impact of Davies' actions, noting that he had caused significant distress and suffering to the victims' families. He expressed concern about the potential for reoffending and the danger Davies posed to the public.

Furthermore, Davies was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was permanently barred from working with children. The court's verdict underscored the severity of his crimes and the need to protect society from individuals who pose such risks.