SWANSEA PAEDOPHILE DAVID HART SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS AFTER FLEEING COURT
In September 2017, David Hart, a 60-year-old paedophile from Morriston, Swansea, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after fleeing court while on trial.Hart, who was facing 16 charges related to the abuse of a young girl, vanished on the final day of his trial, prompting a police manhunt.
The following day, he was found and arrested at an address in Morriston.
Hart was convicted by a jury of multiple charges, including 12 counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, one of assault by penetration, and another of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard that he began abusing his victim when she was just 11 years old and subjected her to "horrific sexual abuse," which included acts such as bestiality.
He also used webcam chat rooms, used globally by other paedophiles, to continue his abuse.
The victim described her feelings during police interviews: "I blame myself.
I never did enough to stop him.
I had opportunities to stop him but I was too afraid.
I hate myself.
I feel disgusted I let him do these things.
I dream of it." During sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters described Hart as a "controlling bully" and a "deviant sex predator." The judge criticised both the police and Morriston Hospital staff for their handling of the case.
In a stern statement, he told Hart he had "ruined that girl’s life" and remarked, "Your conduct towards her passes the boundaries of human understanding." Judge Walters also condemned Hart’s dishonesty during the trial, saying, "I have rarely heard one man lie so much during a trial.
You really are a consummate liar." The judge reflected on the disturbing evidence presented, some of which involved abuse perpetrated in front of a camera with hundreds watching.
Addressing Hart’s victim directly after sentencing, Judge Walters expressed hope that she might find some solace in knowing that Hart’s life would now be significantly impacted.
"Although it will never be as much hurt as you have suffered, I know," he said.
The police’s investigation was swift, as Hart, who was a taxi driver from Morriston, went missing on the day the jury convicted him, prompting an immediate manhunt.
Police described the search as a "top priority," and Hart was apprehended the following day.
The court also learned that Hart’s abuse lasted for 14 years, beginning when the girl was about 11 or 12 years old.
During the trial, it was revealed that some of the abuse was filmed, with some episodes viewed by hundreds.
The judge noted that Hart’s crimes would leave lasting psychological scars, stating, "someone can’t be subjected to this behaviour without life-changing consequences." It was initially believed Hart had been admitted to Morriston Hospital, but police later confirmed he was not in the hospital at the time of his arrest.
