DEWI DAVIES SENTENCED IN WREXHAM FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In April 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving a young man named Dewi John Davies, who was convicted of grooming and sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in Wrexham. The case highlighted the serious dangers of online predation and the devastating impact it can have on young victims.

According to court proceedings, Davies, aged 19 at the time, had engaged in a series of inappropriate communications with the young girl via Facebook. These interactions began when he was 18, and over time, their conversations became increasingly sexual in nature. The court heard that Davies had used the social media platform to initiate contact with the girl, who was still in her early teens, and that he was fully aware of her young age during their exchanges.

The court was informed that the girl, who was only 12 years old, was initially willing to communicate with Davies, but her young age rendered her legally incapable of giving consent. Despite this, Davies continued to pursue her, and their online conversations escalated to sexual content. The girl later revealed that she had been drinking alcohol and using cannabis, which further compromised her ability to make sound decisions. She also expressed feelings of being used, and her emotional state was severely affected, with her contemplating suicide as a result of the abuse.

One of the most troubling aspects of the case was Davies’ suggestion that the girl take the ‘morning after’ pill, which she did after telling a chemist she was 15. This act was part of his grooming behavior, aimed at normalizing and facilitating sexual activity with a minor. The court heard that Davies had engaged in at least three sexual offences, including two incidents of intercourse and one of oral sex. His first sexual encounter with the girl took place on a grass verge, where oral sex was performed, followed by a second encounter in a tent involving intercourse. They also had sex in a bed, after which Davies ceased communication, leaving the girl feeling rejected, ashamed, and used.

In court, Judge Philip Hughes emphasized the gravity of the offences, noting that Davies had taken her virginity and encouraged her to take the ‘morning after’ pill. Although the girl was considered a willing participant, the judge clarified that her age made her incapable of legally consenting to such acts. The judge also pointed out that Davies’ actions demonstrated grooming behavior, which justified a custodial sentence to protect other young girls from similar conduct.

During the sentencing, the court was told that Davies had no relevant prior convictions, and the offences were committed in 2012. The judge acknowledged that no violence was used and that Davies had not physically forced the girl, but he stressed that the sexual acts were clearly inappropriate given her age. As part of his punishment, Davies was sentenced to six years in youth custody. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from approaching the victim again or being alone with girls under 16.

Prosecutor Wyn Lloyd Jones described the girl as having liked Davies and admitted to flirting with him, which led to their meeting. The court heard that their first sexual encounter was on a grass verge, and subsequent encounters took place in a tent and in a bed. After their last meeting, Davies cut off communication, leaving the girl feeling rejected and ashamed. The girl’s mother discovered some of the Facebook messages last year, prompting police involvement.

When questioned by police, Davies initially claimed he was not attracted to the girl and believed she was 15. However, the evidence from Facebook messages clearly showed he was aware of her true age. He admitted that she had been pursuing him and that he had agreed to have sex with her, but he later claimed he changed his mind to “let her down gently” after considering the implications.

North Wales Police officer DC Jane Bowyer-Jones praised the victim for her bravery and resilience in coming forward. She also emphasized that the sentence sent a strong message that such offences would not be tolerated in the community, reinforcing the importance of protecting vulnerable minors from online grooming and sexual exploitation.