DAVID ARTHUR MORRIS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN GWYNEDD
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Gwynedd, David Arthur Morris, aged 57, of Frankwell Street, Tywyn, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences committed against two young girls.The sentencing took place at Caernarfon Crown Court following a trial held last year, during which Morris was found guilty of four counts of sexual misconduct involving the two victims.
Prosecutor Gordon Hennell provided detailed testimony about the nature of the offences and the impact on the victims.
He revealed that one of the girls, who was only 11 years old at the time of the abuse and is now 28, had occasionally visited Morris’s home.
The victim described her experience with Morris as life-altering, stating that the abuse had led her to fail academically, become a long-term drug user, and develop deep mistrust towards men.
Her words underscored the profound and lasting damage inflicted by Morris’s actions.
The second victim, now 16 years old, was subjected to abuse at two different periods—first at the age of nine, and later between the ages of 13 and 14.
Her ordeal had left her unable to trust males and had contributed to her developing an eating disorder, highlighting the severe psychological scars left by Morris’s misconduct.
Kim Halsall, representing Morris, argued that the specific incidents occurred over a relatively short period, primarily during the summer of 1994.
She pointed out that the eldest girl had reported her concerns at the time, leading to an investigation.
The offences against the younger girl, however, took place over a broader span of years, from 2002 to 2004 and again between 2008 and 2009.
Halsall emphasized that Morris had been a man of good character prior to these events, with a history of steady employment and involvement in community activities, including work with the Buffaloes.
Despite this, the court found that his actions warranted significant punishment.
His Honour Judge Merfyn Hughes QC addressed the court, stating, “A jury has found you guilty of four counts of indecent behaviour towards two young girls.
Counts one and two involve the girl aged 11, where you took advantage of her on two occasions.
You pressed a hand on her thigh and asked her to kiss you.
You also touched her sexually and simulated intercourse.” Judge Hughes further detailed the incidents involving the younger girl, noting that they occurred at a public event when Morris kissed her, and another incident where he exposed himself after arranging to meet her in his car outside.
These actions demonstrated a pattern of predatory behaviour.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Hughes declared, “You will serve half of your sentence in custody, after which you will be released on licence.” He also ordered Morris to participate in sex offender treatment programs run by the probation service and to remain on licence, with a requirement to register his address with the police at all times.
Following the sentencing, PC Elaine Ball, the investigating officer, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome.
She stated, “We welcome today’s sentencing.
It sends a clear message that North Wales Police will not tolerate these types of offences and will continue to dedicate resources to bring offenders to justice.
Our thoughts are with the young girls whose lives have been affected by Morris’s actions, and we hope the sentence provides some measure of comfort.”
