An image of the app 'Snapchat' on a phone.

Content warning: This article contains details of sexual assault of a minor, online predation and suicide.

Khushboo Malhotra

Rhodri Llyr Griffiths, 28, from Highland Gardens in Neath Abbey, has been sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for his crimes against a 13-year-old girl he met on Snapchat.

In October 2023, Griffiths initiated contact with the victim using a fake profile, bombarding her with explicit messages and coercing her into sexual communication and a physical meeting through deception and manipulation.

During the proceedings at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that Griffiths, using aliases like ‘James,’ coerced the underage girl into performing sexual acts by offering money and alcohol, exploiting her vulnerability.

Following the assault, the victim confided in her mother, leading to Griffiths’s arrest. Following his arrest, Griffiths initially denied the allegations but later admitted to his crimes.

The court also heard how Griffiths taunted and laughed at his victim after the assault. The attack left the victim so traumatised she attempted to take her own life just months afterwards.

Victim Impact Statements

In a poignant statement, the victim’s mother described the incident as “every parent’s worst nightmare,” expressing guilt for not protecting her daughter and describing the repercussions of the incident on her daughter and their family.

She stated: “It was like my brain couldn’t process that happening. How can someone do something so awful and how could it happen to my daughter?”

“Every time I look in a mirror, I see him looking back at me like he did that night”

She explained that her daughter’s mental health deteriorated to the point where she was unable to attend school, eventually leading to a suicide attempt following the assault. “Her mental health has been awful and she’s asked when she’s going to feel her normal self again and can’t take the pain she feels every day.”

The victim’s mother also disclosed her own emotional breakdown, admitting to constant worry and vigilance to prevent her daughter from harming herself further. “No mother should have on their mind their child wants to die and the thought of what would happen if she did succeed. My life would be over as well as hers.”

The victim’s poignant testimony echoed through the chambers of Newport Crown Court, shedding light on the lasting scars inflicted by Griffiths’s despicable actions. She described her life and childhood as irreparably marred by fear, mistrust and self-loathing.

“Every time I look in a mirror, I see him looking back at me like he did that night,” she said. She admitted to changing her appearance out of insecurity and confessed: “I will never trust another man again.”

“I don’t accept for a moment you have any regret or remorse for what you did.”

“I feel like my life and childhood have been destroyed. I have never hated my body as much as I do now. I have spent hours in the shower scrubbing my skin until it’s red [and] raw,” she stated.

“When I look in the mirror or close my eyes I see him laughing… All I want to do is sleep the day away. I will never feel happy again. Even school is too much for me.

“No matter how much counselling and therapy I’ll have, when I am ready, I’ll never be the same girl again.

“I thought it would have been easier if he killed me as I wouldn’t have to live every day and feel this way… He’s ruined my life.”

Court Verdict & Sentencing Of Rhodri Llyr Griffiths

In delivering the sentence, Judge Daniel Williams described the victim’s statement as “heartbreaking,” and emphasised the significant harm inflicted by Griffiths’s crimes.

He remarked on his apparent lack of remorse: “You were clearly enjoying what you were putting her through… I don’t accept for a moment you have any regret or remorse for what you did.”

“You have a mild form of autism but that doesn’t impact your culpability with what you did. You said you had never had any sexual experience until your now-pregnant partner with whom you formed a relationship and you felt as though you’d missed out.

“You pose a high risk of serious harm to female children in the form of sexual violence… You planned this and intended to use alcohol to facilitate the offence. You have caused severe psychological harm in a prolonged incident.”

Rhodri Llyr Griffiths was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison, with an extended license period of five years. He’s also subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements, a 15-year sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order.

Griffiths will be eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of his custodial sentence.

Police Statements

After the hearing, Detective Constable Georgia Dunne of Gwent Police commended the bravery of the victim and witnesses for their courage in coming forward.

“Rhodri Griffiths is a dangerous man, and we welcome the sentence provided by the courts and hope that he uses this time to reflect on his actions,” she said.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Sedgebeer echoed this sentiment, reassuring victims of sexual assault to come forward and “that they will be listened to, believed and respected.”

For confidential support, the Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.

READ NEXT:

Featured image courtesy of Souvik Banerjee via Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here. 

Khushboo is a Twitter Editor at Empoword Journalism. She is an Award-nominated lifestyle and pop culture journalist, writer, and budding entrepreneur aiming to break down the boundaries of cultural stigma and shame attached to mental health and sexual health and bring marginalised topics to light. Send your stories, tips, and press announcements to khushboomalhotrafreelance@gmail.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *