THOMAS CATO FROM DOLGELLAU SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR RAPE IN GWYNEDD

In a recent and highly disturbing case, Thomas Cato, a 34-year-old resident of Smithfield Street in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years after being convicted of raping a 17-year-old girl. The incident took place in November 2022 and has shocked the local community and beyond.

During the court proceedings at Caernarfon Crown Court, it was revealed that Cato had subjected the young victim to a brutal assault despite her desperate attempts to resist. The court heard that the girl initially consented to being tied up, but her situation quickly deteriorated as she began to plead with Cato to stop the attack. Despite her repeated screams and pleas for mercy, Cato continued his assault, ignoring her distress and trauma.

The judge, Timothy Petts, did not hold back in his condemnation of Cato’s actions. He described how the defendant had treated the teenage girl as his 'sexual possession,' disregarding her pleas and the evident trauma she was experiencing. The judge emphasized the severity of Cato’s violent behavior, noting an escalating pattern of violence that included acts of strangulation and suffocation, which he used as means of injuring or controlling his victim.

Judge Petts expressed deep concern about the ongoing threat Cato poses to women, stating, “I can’t see any time when the risk you pose to women in particular is going to be reduced.” This statement underscores the dangerous nature of Cato’s criminal conduct and the potential danger he continues to represent.

Prosecutor Nicholas Williams highlighted Cato’s criminal history, which includes numerous offenses related to dishonesty and violence. This background further illustrates a pattern of behavior that has culminated in this serious sexual assault.

Following his conviction and sentencing, Cato will serve a minimum of 11 years in prison. However, his legal obligations do not end there. He will be released on licence after serving his custodial sentence and will remain under supervision for an additional six years. Moreover, Cato will be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at protecting the community from further harm.