Man sentenced to 24 years for attempt rape

A man has been sentenced to 24 years, 16 years in prison and 8 years on extended licence, for the attempted rape of a woman and her young daughter on a cycle path. He has also been given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Anthony Williams, aged 42, of Hill Street in Haverfordwest, appeared at Swansea Crown Court today, having pleaded guilty to two charges of attempted rape on an adult female and one charge of attempted rape on a female child aged under 13 at a previous hearing.

Dyfed-Powys Police received a call at just before 4.50pm on May 17 from a man who had come across a highly distressed woman on the cycle path between Haverfordwest and Tiers Cross.

Officers swiftly attended, and the woman reported that a stranger had attempted to rape her and her young daughter – making threats if they did not comply – before leaving the area.

A team of detectives immediately searched the area to secure any evidence linked to the offence or a potential suspect, and later arrested a man matching the description given to officers.

Enquiries established DNA links between the adult victim and Williams.

Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Ritchie said:

“Dyfed-Powys Police welcomes this sentence. It is the result of an extensive police operation that gave Williams little option but to plead guilty.

“This was a horrific attack, during which the defendant tried multiple times to rape a mother and her very young child. For the mother in particular, it was a terrifying experience – not only going through the trauma of being assaulted herself, but to see her daughter being treated in this despicable way.

“I would like to thank the victims and their family for the bravery and dignity they have shown during our investigation.  I would also like to thank the members of the public who assisted the victims at the time and who assisted the police investigation.  Their assistance was invaluable.

“I now hope this sentence gives the victims the justice they deserve, and hopefully some closure to move on with their lives.

“Dyfed-Powys Police will not tolerate violence against women and girls and hopefully the outcome in this case will give confidence to victims to come forward.  We will take you seriously and support you as we work to bring offenders to justice.”