EIFION ROYLE, THE BANGOR SEXUAL PREDATOR, SENTENCED TO INDEFINITE IMPRISONMENT

In February 2012, a disturbing case unfolded in Bangor involving Eifion Wyn Royle, a 45-year-old man whose repeated history of sexual offenses culminated in a severe and indefinite prison sentence. Royle’s criminal past is extensive, with convictions dating back to 1982, and his latest attack has prompted serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.

Royle’s criminal record is marked by a series of heinous acts. His first known offense occurred in 1982 when he indecently assaulted a nine-year-old girl. The following year, he committed an assault on a woman on a footpath, pushing her to the ground with the apparent intent of sexually assaulting her. In 1985, Royle’s criminal activities included theft, specifically stealing underwear from a washing line and taking items from a woman’s bedroom. These early offenses painted a troubling picture of a man with a pattern of predatory behavior.

Fast forward to 2004, Royle’s criminality escalated when he abducted a young woman cyclist in Snowdonia. The victim managed to escape from the moving vehicle and sought help by running to the home of an off-duty police officer. This incident resulted in Royle receiving a six-year prison sentence, highlighting the severity of his actions and the danger he posed to the public.

The most recent incident, which took place in Bangor late on September 27 of the previous year, involved a 19-year-old woman who was targeted by Royle. The young woman was walking alone on Ffriddoedd Road when she noticed Royle looking at her. She chose to ignore him and continued on her way. However, at the corner of Belmont Drive, Royle approached her, parked his car nearby, and then approached her on foot. He grabbed her shoulder and repeatedly told her not to make a noise or scream, insisting she get into his vehicle. The terrified woman struggled to free herself, and during the altercation, Royle momentarily loosened his grip, allowing her to scream and run away from the scene.

Witnesses living in the vicinity described her screams as “bloodcurdling,” underscoring the terror she experienced. Royle, who was residing at the Ty Newydd bail hostel at the time, drove off after the incident but was later apprehended by authorities. The victim’s account and the witnesses’ testimonies painted a clear picture of a predatory attack designed to sexually assault her.

During the court proceedings, Royle admitted to attempting to kidnap the young woman with the intent to commit a sexual offense. His defense argued that the attack was not premeditated or carefully planned, emphasizing that Royle had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, thereby sparing his victim the trauma of testifying. Despite this, the prosecution, led by Wyn Lloyd Jones, described Royle as a “sexual predator and a danger to women,” emphasizing the gravity of his repeated offenses.

Judge Merfyn Hughes QC delivered a stern sentence, condemning Royle’s actions as a “pre-meditated and predatory attack” on a young woman. The judge expressed concern about Royle’s high risk of reoffending and made it clear that his release from prison would depend on an ongoing assessment of that risk. The judge warned Royle that if his risk level remains high, he may never be released again, underscoring the seriousness of the case.

Throughout the sentencing, Royle showed no visible emotion. He had previously admitted to attempted kidnapping in connection with the latest incident. The court also ordered Royle to be placed on the sex offender register for life, reflecting the ongoing threat he poses to society. This case has once again raised questions about the management and monitoring of individuals with a history of sexual violence, especially those with a pattern of reoffending in Bangor and surrounding areas.