David Walsh (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
A 42-year-old from Cardiff has been handed an extended sentence after admitting he raped a woman while she was asleep and strangled her until she struggled to breathe.
David Walsh, of St Mary’s Close, Caerau, was told by the Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, that he is a dangerous offender. She jailed him for 12 years with a further four years on extended licence.
Sentencing
The sentence was imposed at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday and will run concurrently with the six years and six months Walsh is already serving for separate sexual offences.
He was also made subject to a 15-year restraining order and will remain on sex offender notification requirements.
Walsh had pleaded guilty to rape, intentional strangulation and a further offence.
What happened
The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, woke to find Walsh on top of her and penetrating her. She did not speak out during the attack because she feared what he would do.
Prosecutor Laurence Jones said: “She did not want what was happening but did not say anything due to repercussions.”
Walsh went on to put his hands around her neck and squeeze, restricting her breathing. She had to hit him to get him off her, and he told her to “keep her mouth shut”.
After she reported him to police and he was arrested, officers found he had been viewing pornography showing women having sex while asleep.
The victim’s words
Her personal statement was read to the court by Mr Jones. She said: “What I experienced due to the defendant’s actions has affected me… He changed me as a person and it continues to affect me every day… It’s had a profound and lasting effect on my mental health and wellbeing. I gradually stopped feeling like myself and felt on edge… I live in a state of anxiety… I lost confidence in myself and my ability to make decisions… I struggle with anxiety, fear and flashbacks. I felt so worn down by him. I tried to end my own life twice.
“I no longer feel safe in my own body. I will never forget what happened. I felt exposed and degraded, like the whole of my dignity had been taken away from me. I find it hard to trust people and I’m guarded in ways I never used to be…. It has affected how I see myself and others, and how I live my life. I am trying to rebuild my life but it’s not easy. I will carry the impact of his actions every day.”
Previous offending
Walsh has four previous convictions. They include assault by penetration and sexual assault, for which he was convicted after a trial last year.
In that case he performed oral sex on a woman who had passed out after drinking and penetrated her with his fingers on two occasions. She was left suicidal.
Mitigation
Christopher Evans, defending, told the court Walsh had witnessed domestic abuse growing up and was bullied at school, which he left without qualifications. He later held down steady work and qualified as a mechanic.
Mr Evans said his client had used cannabis for many years but had stayed off the drug in prison.
Anyone struggling can contact Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time.
