SAUL HENVEY FROM TREGARON SENTENCED FOR CAMPAIGN OF RAPE IN CEREDIGION AND LAMPETER

In July 2023, Saul Henvey, a man from Tregaron, Ceredigion, was sentenced to a lengthy extended prison term after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses committed over a span of two years. The case revealed a disturbing pattern of assault and manipulation directed at three women, with Henvey attempting to coerce them into silence and denying the severity of his actions.

Henvey, who was homeless at the time, was eventually apprehended following a significant police manhunt. Authorities issued warnings to drivers in the area, cautioning against picking up hitchhikers, as they believed Henvey was on the run. His arrest was a result of a coordinated effort after he was spotted following the woodland attack, which was one of the most serious incidents in the series of crimes.

The first major incident took place in May 2021 in Lampeter, where Henvey approached a woman in the town center. After engaging her in conversation, they agreed to go for a picnic in a nearby woodland area. Initially, the outing seemed uneventful, but the situation quickly escalated. Henvey suddenly turned violent, ripping off the woman’s clothes, threatening her, and physically assaulting her by placing his hands around her throat before raping her. Throughout the assault, he repeatedly told her, “It is not rape but love,” attempting to manipulate her perception of the attack.

The woman managed to report the assault to police, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. Officers arrived at the scene, but Henvey had already fled, prompting a large-scale search operation overnight. The police warned local drivers not to pick up hitchhikers during this period. Henvey was eventually located and detained the following day.

Following the publicity surrounding the Lampeter woodland attack, another victim came forward. She reported that Henvey had raped her twice in her own home while she was sleeping, an incident that occurred just two weeks prior to the woodland assault. This revelation prompted detectives to revisit an earlier rape allegation from January 2020, involving a different victim. In that case, Henvey had approached the woman while she was working in her garden, engaged her in conversation, and then entered her home for a drink before assaulting her.

Investigations revealed that Henvey had manipulated all three women into not reporting their assaults, often using psychological tactics to diminish the severity of his crimes. Prosecutor Nicola Powell described Henvey’s actions as a “campaign of rape,” emphasizing the systematic nature of his offending.

During the court proceedings at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, the impact on the victims was highlighted. The women described feelings of vulnerability, anxiety, and fear following the attacks. One woman expressed that she now finds it difficult to trust any man, illustrating the profound and lasting trauma inflicted by Henvey’s actions.

Henvey, aged 47, was previously convicted of four counts of rape, having appeared in court for sentencing. Although he had prior convictions for shoplifting, public disorder, drug possession, and dishonesty, he had no previous convictions related to sexual offenses. The court heard that his offending was not solely attributable to mental health issues, despite three psychiatric reports being presented.

Judge Catherine Richards sentenced Henvey to a 27-year extended sentence, which includes a 21-year custodial term followed by a six-year extended license. The sentence also includes a hospital and limitation direction, meaning Henvey will initially serve his time in a secure hospital environment where he will receive treatment. If deemed no longer necessary, he will be transferred to prison to serve the remaining custodial period.

Under the terms of his sentence, Henvey must serve at least two-thirds of his custodial time before he can apply for parole. The final decision regarding his release will be made by the Parole Board. Additionally, Henvey will be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.