are there more victims?
AS THE COUPLE DUBBED ‘THE FRED AND ROSE WEST OF BARRY’ ARE JAILED, POLICE REVEAL THEY ARE INVESTIGATING MORE HISTORIC SEX ABUSE CLAIMS AGAINST THE PAIR –
A HUSBAND and wife described as the “Fred and Rosemary West of Barry” have been jailed for a combined 36 years after grooming and raping teenage girls as police revealed they are investigating more historic abuse claims against the pair.
Peter Griffiths, 65, and Avril Griffiths, 61, of Barry Road, Barry, repeatedly abused the girls at a number of locations including at a sex party on a boat.
The pair were found guilty of rape, indecent assault and taking indecent photos of a child relating to three female victims between 1978 and
1993.
One of their victims described them as the “Fred and Rosemary West of Barry”.
At Cardiff Crown Court yesterday, Peter Griffiths was sentenced to 21 years in jail for eight counts of rape, three of indecent assault and two of taking an indecent photograph of a child.
His wife Avril Griffiths was sentenced to 15 years in jail for five counts of rape, two of taking an indecent photograph of a child and two of indecent assault.
After reading out three victim impact statements to the court, prosecutor Caroline Rees QC said: “The abuse has had a devastating impact on each of their lives.”
David Etherington QC, representing Peter Griffiths, told Judge Jeremy Jenkins there is a “dawning awareness” by his client of his responsibility.
He said: “There is absolutely nothing I say that can diminish the effect we have heard from the victims of what this has done to them. Nothing I say is in any way meant to diminish that.
“He is now 65 years old... he is already approaching old age. His own health is not particularly good. He has been a smoker all his life.”
William Hughes QC, for Avril Griffiths, told the judge she was the “secondary party”.
The judge said: “There is considerable force to your argument that she was very much under his influence and direction.”
Sentencing the couple, he said: “The offences were committed upon young, vulnerable and impressionable young girls.
“They were offered cigarettes and occasionally alcohol. I am quite satisfied you were systematically grooming those children.”
Speaking about the first complainant, the judge said the Griffiths’ offending was “to fulfil their sexual fantasies”.
He added: “The two of you had few, if any, sexual boundaries.
“You engaged in group sex as a matter of course.”
The court heard one girl was “passed around” and raped.
Judge Jenkins said: “She told the jury about the force and brutality of that rape.
“In evidence, Peter Griffiths, you denied this. That evidence was rejected by the jury.”
He referred to the “devastating impact” of the offending on each of the complainants. The judge said he would consider the age of the defendants and how old they would be on release.
He said: “There was and remains an inequality in the relationship based upon Avril Griffiths’ background and intellectual function.
“You met Peter Griffiths when you were a child yourself. That will be taken into account when reflecting your respective roles.”
The judge referred to a “campaign of rape” against one of the complainants.
He said there was “severe psychological and physical harm” and noted the “particular vulnerability” of the victim.
He said there was a “significant degree of planning” and it was an aggravating factor that the defendants acted together.
Peter Griffiths was jailed for 21 years while his wife Avril Griffiths was jailed for 15 years.
They will serve half of that time in custody and each will register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant David Rich, the South Wales Police officer in the case, said: “Today’s sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes which have been committed by Peter and Avril Griffiths. This couple who were responsible for appalling abuse have now been brought to justice.
“I would like to commend the three victims in this case who have shown immense strength and courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings. I hope today’s sentence provides some closure for them and their families as they attempt to move forward with their lives.
“South Wales Police urges anyone who has been the victim of any kind of sexual abuse or assault to come forward, safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with respect and dignity by officers.
“I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to come forward to report sexual abuse but I want to reassure anyone considering doing so that there is a whole range of support out there, not only from the police but from partner agencies who can help you through the entire process.
“Survivors of abuse by predators like Peter and Avril Griffiths deserve to see them brought to justice and we are determined to do all we can to help them.”
Detective Chief Inspector Justin Evans said: “Following the convictions of Peter and Avril Griffiths two people have reported allegations of non-recent sexual offences to police. We are investigating these allegations and they are being supported by specially trained officers.
“Since the trial, further information concerning allegations of contact between police officers and the defendant Peter Griffiths have been reported to police. This investigation is ongoing.”
An NSPCC Cymru spokesman said: “Peter and Avril Griffiths acted together to plan and systematically carry out the rape and abuse of children over many years. The appalling nature of these crimes is reflected in the jail terms imposed by the court and in the terrible impact on the victims’ lives. It is down to the courage of the survivors, and their testimonies, that justice has caught up with this despicable couple.
“This disturbing case shows once again that survivors can achieve justice when they are able to report past abuse.
“The NSPCC’s Helpline – 0808 800 5000 – is available 24/7 to highlight abuse and to seek support.”