Carmarthen man found guilty of rape and abuse of children

A Carmarthen man has been convicted of abusing and raping children following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

James Thomas, aged 42, of Mansel Street, Carmarthen, denied all 21 charges – 10 of the rape of children, including two on a child under 13, nine counts of sexual assault on children and two counts of causing or inciting children to engage in sexual activity.

One victim said the abuse started when she was just five years old with Thomas touching her in a sexual manner, with the abuse going on for around six years.

Another victim told of how the touching started when she was 11 years old, before Thomas raped her before she was 13. The abuse went on for another three years.

Thomas, a former delivery driver, who was arrested by Dyfed-Powys Police following a victim’s complaint in January 2020, denied all charges and claimed the victims had made up the abuse.

But following a five-day trial he was found guilty of all 21 counts.

He has been remanded into custody and will be sentenced on Tuesday, 29 March.

Senior investigating officer DI Llyr Williams said: “Thomas treated his victims with complete contempt, callously denying their pain and grief existed.

“An excellent police investigation enabled the jury to return a guilty verdict, which is welcomed by the force.

“I would like to thank the victims for their courage and patience during a lengthy and protracted police investigation.

“His abuse will no doubt tragically have a lasting effect on them, however, we hope today’s verdict will give them some closure and allow them to move on with their lives.

“If you are suffering because of similar abuse, please contact the police, or if you would rather speak to someone in confidence, New Pathways are an independent charity that will support you through every step of the investigation.”

New Pathways can be contacted at 01685 379 310 or email enquiries@newpathways.org.uk