PRISON FOR GWYNEDD MAN, 36, WHO RAPED WOMAN IN LLANRWST
A man from Gwynedd convicted of raping a woman in Conwy county has been sentenced to prison.Although he pleaded not guilty, a jury found him guilty of the crime after a trial.
The court was told that the assault occurred in August 2021 while the woman was initially asleep.
When she awoke and realized what was happening, she tried to push Griffiths away, and he quickly fled the scene.
The woman who was assaulted by Griffiths shared that she has experienced panic attacks and feels “scared and uncomfortable around men.” In court, she read a statement expressing that her life is now “happy and successful,” which she attributes to her resilience and positive attitude, allowing her to move forward despite her ordeal.
She also expressed that the heaviest burden has been “the feeling of responsibility and guilt,” but with counseling and support from friends and family, she has come to understand she is not to blame.
Representing Griffiths, lawyer Duncan Bould highlighted his client's lack of prior convictions and noted that since the offence, spanning over four years, Griffiths has shown “no criminal traits.” Mr.
Bould described him as someone who has previously been a “positive influence on those around him,” and a “caring member of his family and community.” It was also mentioned that Griffiths has “strong support networks around him.” Mr.
Bould commented, “This is a person who, in all likelihood, will never appear in court again.” During sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts remarked that the victim was “horrified” and “particularly vulnerable” during the assault.
Addressing Griffiths, the judge said, “What you did that night has had a profound effect on her life.
However, I am glad to hear this morning that she now considers her life to be happy and successful because of her resilience, not because of your actions.
It was not her fault.
The only person responsible is you.” Griffiths will serve two-thirds of his seven-year prison term before being released on license.
A lifelong restraining order has been issued to protect the survivor, and Griffiths will remain subject to sex offender registry requirements for life.
