Tumble man jailed for child rape and sexual abuse

A Carmarthenshire man described as having “a very short temper” who drank heavily has been locked up for more than a decade after admitting to raping and sexually abusing young girls.

David Prothero, 39, from Tumble, committed a series of sexual and violent offences against multiple children over a six-month period between February and August last year. His crimes only came to light when one of his victims bravely disclosed what had happened to their mother, prompting her to contact police.

What he did

Swansea Crown Court heard that Prothero orally raped one girl on multiple occasions and sexually abused her. He also sexually assaulted a second girl by groping her breasts and bottom. The defendant was further accused of violence towards two children.

Prosecutor Andrew Kendall told the court that Prothero drank Stella Artois and Strongbow “all the time” and had a volatile temper. He was arrested on 14 August after the disclosure was made.

The guilty pleas

Prothero pleaded guilty to two offences of raping a child, four offences of sexual activity with a child, four offences of sexual assault, and one offence of assault.

His defence barrister, James Hartson, told the court: “By his own admission he is rightly mortified, ashamed, and deeply embarrassed by his actions. He has attempted to blame his use of drink and drugs on his behaviour. That is not going to wash. There can be no excuse whatsoever for what he has done.”

Mr Hartson said the defendant had no previous convictions for sexual or violent offences, with the only conviction on his record being for a public order offence in 2009.

The sentence

Judge Huw Rees sentenced Prothero to 10-and-a-half years imprisonment. He must register as a sex offender for life and was made the subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. Each of the victims were granted lifelong restraining orders against him.

Police praise victims’ courage

Detective Inspector Rebecca Thomas, of Dyfed-Powys Police’s Rape Investigation Team, described Prothero’s offending as “a disturbing case” following his sentencing.

“The bravery shown by the victims in this case must be recognised,” she said. “Their courage to speak out against this abuser is ultimately what has put David Prothero in prison today.

“If anyone, no matter how old or young, finds themselves suffering silently, I want to encourage you to come forward and speak with us. We have a dedicated team of investigators, specially trained in crimes of this nature, who will support you every step of the way. We are compassionate, and we are capable. We will do everything we can to secure justice, as we have seen today.

“I won’t forget the moment one victim said ‘he can’t control me anymore’ when Prothero entered his guilty pleas. This is as much about freedom as it is about justice.

“I hope the victims in this case can take heart knowing that Prothero is in prison, as they begin to move forward with their lives.”