MAXI MCKENZIE FROM NEYLAND SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR RAPE IN PEMBROKESHIRE

In a significant legal case that has captured the attention of the Pembrokeshire community, Daniel McKenzie, also known as Maxi McKenzie, a resident of Neyland, was found guilty of a serious sexual offence and subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison. The conviction was handed down on a Thursday after a jury at Swansea Crown Court unanimously agreed on his guilt following a detailed trial.

McKenzie, aged 42 and residing at College Park in Neyland, had recently been released from incarceration for drug dealing. However, his freedom was short-lived as he was rearrested and charged with the rape of a woman, leading to his conviction. Throughout the proceedings, McKenzie maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the offence. Despite his protests, the evidence presented in court was compelling enough to secure a unanimous verdict against him.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Keith Thomas addressed McKenzie directly, sentencing him to seven years behind bars. The court was informed of the distressing events that unfolded following the alleged offence. It was revealed that McKenzie, upon hearing that the woman had contacted her mother to report the incident, attempted to take his own life. Witnesses testified that he had walked into nearby woods and tried to hang himself from a tree, but the branch snapped under his weight.

Further disturbing details emerged when police officers arrived to question McKenzie. Instead of cooperating, he climbed out of a bedroom window and was observed pacing along the roof of the property. Officers also saw him fashion a scarf into a noose and place it around his neck, indicating a clear intent to harm himself. Fortunately, the officers managed to intervene and talk him down from the brink of suicide.

The case also involved forensic evidence that played a crucial role in the conviction. A forensic scientist testified that semen was found in the woman’s underwear, and DNA analysis confirmed that the genetic profile matched McKenzie’s. The likelihood of the semen originating from anyone other than McKenzie was estimated at one in a billion, a figure that strongly supported the prosecution’s case.

Prosecutor Jim Davis emphasized the significance of the DNA evidence to the jury, stating, “That’s a thousand million to one. The fact is that the DNA matches the defendant’s DNA. How did it get there?” The court also heard that police had discovered a note taped to a television screen in McKenzie’s home. In this note, he referred to “a moment of madness” and mentioned “maybe it is the red male blood in me,” suggesting a troubled state of mind at the time.

Overall, the case against Daniel McKenzie was built on a combination of forensic evidence, witness testimony, and his own actions following the incident. His conviction and subsequent sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of such offences and the importance of justice for victims in Pembrokeshire.