ROBERT DAVIES FROM NEWPORT SENTENCED FOR GROOMING YOUNG GIRLS IN CRIME-RIDDEN CASE

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Newport, a man named Robert Davies has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of grooming two underage girls for sexual activity. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Davies' actions, which spanned several years and involved manipulation and exploitation of vulnerable young victims.

Robert Davies, aged 31 and without a fixed address, had previously pleaded guilty to the charges at Newport Crown Court on February 12, 2015. His guilty plea came after a period of remand, during which he was held in custody awaiting sentencing. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and the fact that Davies was a registered sex offender, adding to the gravity of his crimes.

The court heard that Davies first began grooming his initial victim in 2009, when she was just under 16 years old. At that time, Davies was 26. He used social media platform Facebook and text messaging to contact her, repeatedly asking her to meet him in person. His persistent communication and manipulative tactics eventually led to a sexual relationship. It was revealed that Davies did not use contraception during their encounters, and shortly after they began their sexual activity, the girl was diagnosed with Chlamydia. Despite the seriousness of her condition, she kept her ordeal secret from her parents, often claiming she was visiting friends. Her parents, unaware of the true situation, reported her missing on multiple occasions, highlighting the extent of her isolation and the impact of Davies' grooming.

In her victim impact statement, the first girl expressed her feelings of betrayal and loss. She said, “Rob made me feel special, like I was the most important person in his life. I just felt destroyed and heartbroken when it was over. I now find it hard to trust people and be myself. He took my childhood away from me.” Her words underscore the profound emotional and psychological damage inflicted by Davies' actions.

The second victim's story was equally disturbing. She first encountered Davies in 2014 when she asked him to buy alcohol at a convenience store. He agreed and parked nearby, purchasing vodka for her and giving her his contact details. They arranged to meet again, and Davies expressed his desire for a romantic relationship. During their third meeting, they engaged in sexual activity, which resulted in her becoming pregnant. She later underwent an abortion two months afterward. In her victim statement, she described how Davies made her feel loved and told her they would marry when she turned 18. She also revealed that he was the only reliable person in her life, exploiting her vulnerability for his own gain.

It was also disclosed that Davies had a prior conviction for indecent assault in August 2003, which led to an 18-month sentence in a young offenders’ institution. This history of offending underscores the pattern of predatory behavior that the court found deeply concerning.

During the sentencing hearing, Suzanne Thomas, representing Davies, stated that her client did not wish to subject the victims to the ordeal of giving evidence in court. She added that Davies was motivated to participate in rehabilitation courses both during his time in custody and upon release. However, Judge Paul Thomas was unequivocal in his remarks, condemning Davies' actions. He stated, “You took advantage of these impressionable young girls, who were half your age. You groomed them and there was a huge degree of planning involved. It had a significant effect on their childhood, and you have to be treated as a dangerous offender.”

As a result, Davies was sentenced to an immediate term of six years and eight months in prison. Furthermore, upon his release, he will be subject to a four-year period of licence supervision, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his behavior. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by sexual predators and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people in communities like Newport.