ALEXANDER MEYER SENTENCED FOR CHURCHYARD RAPE IN LLANIDLOES AND SANDFORD ON THAMES

In a case that has shocked the communities of Llanidloes and Sandford on Thames, Alexander Meyer, aged 25, was convicted of a heinous sexual assault that took place in a churchyard during a local fancy dress event. Meyer, who resides in Sandford on Thames near Oxford, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for his crimes, with additional orders that he be registered as a sex offender for life.

The incident occurred in Llanidloes, Powys, where Meyer lured a 13-year-old girl into a churchyard shed under the guise of offering help after she had become separated from her friends. According to court proceedings, Meyer was dressed in a bright red dressing gown and slippers at the time. He then proceeded to sexually assault and rape the young girl during a terrifying 30-minute ordeal. The court was told that Meyer threatened her with a knife, which he displayed during the attack, and warned her that he would kill her if she screamed.

During the hearing at Mold Crown Court, it was revealed that Meyer had turned off the girl’s mobile phone when her father attempted to contact her, effectively cutting off her communication with her family. The court also heard that Meyer threatened to kill her, stating he would use the knife across her neck if she made any noise. The girl’s father, who was also in Llanidloes at the time, tried to reach her by phone, but Meyer deliberately switched it off to prevent her from calling for help.

In addition to the assault, Meyer admitted to possessing indecent images of children, which were discovered on two computers. The court was informed that he had 47 such images stored on his devices. Judge Merfyn Hughes QC sentenced Meyer to seven years for the rape and an additional six months for the possession of the indecent images. The judge also explicitly prohibited Meyer from working with children ever again, emphasizing the significant risk he posed to young girls.

The court was told that Meyer, who was living near Oxford with his girlfriend at the time, had traveled back to Llanidloes for the annual fancy dress street party in July. During the proceedings, it was highlighted that the girl, who is now receiving counseling, remains frightened to leave her parents’ home. She has also been subjected to malicious rumors suggesting she encouraged the attack, which the prosecution strongly denied, asserting her innocence in every respect.

Prosecutor Rhys Rowlands emphasized the innocence of the victim, stating, “Nothing could be further from the truth. The crown wish to make it clear that she is a totally innocent victim in every sense of the word.”

Defense lawyer Duncan Bould acknowledged that Meyer, who had no previous convictions, accepted full responsibility for his actions and expressed genuine remorse and horror over what had transpired. The court’s judgment reflected the severity of the crime and the danger Meyer continues to pose to society, especially to young girls in the community.