Wales On Sunday

‘SHOCK RAPE CLAIM WRECKED MY LIFE’

- KATIE BELLIS Reporter katie.bellis@walesonlin­e.co.uk

AMAN who was accused of rape before the allegation was later dropped said he now feels “too afraid” to go anywhere on his own. Curtis Gibbins has described the moment his life completely changed when he was told by police that he had been accused of rape.

“In February this year, I had a call from the police to say that someone had said I raped them. I was out with my friends at the time and it put a massive downer on the night; I felt like nothing.

“Something about it just scared me. All that was going through my head was why would someone do this?” he said.

The 24-year-old, from Port Tennant in Swansea, was never arrested or charged and the woman later retracted her statement.

“When the allegation­s were dropped it was a massive relief, but it was more of a shock. It made me think ‘why did she do this?’. I’ve still got this burden that other people still believe that I’ve done it.”

Mr Gibbins said he lost a lot of friends because of the allegation.

“I was accused of something so horrific and horrible, it’s life-changing. I’ve lost a lot of friends, I’ve even lost my best friend that I’ve known for 12 years.

“I’ve lost many people in my life because of this and only my true friends have stuck by my side. I thank them all for that. I suffer with depression and anxiety but this has pushed me over the edge, I was feeling sui- cidal. I’m not saying I’m perfect but I’m a nice person and I get on with a lot of people,” he said.

Mr Gibbins said he used to be outgoing and he loved going out and socialisin­g.

“I was always out with my friends doing something but now I’m an empty shell. I loved going out and having a drink with friends, but now I don’t do anything, I just sit in the house. I don’t even talk to my parents or grandparen­ts much – it’s very rare I visit my grandparen­ts and that’s not fair on them.”

Mr Gibbins claims he has received threats and said this is why he doesn’t like leaving his home.

He said: “I’m still afraid to walk through the city centre on my own and I don’t like catching buses, it’s a massive negative feeling towards me.

“My friends ask me to go out but I’m very isolated, I’ve got this constant fear on my back that I’m going to run into someone and something is going to be said.

“I’m worried because some people still think that the allegation­s are true.”

He added: “I’ve lost my job and my self-esteem has gone down. I also can’t talk to women any more.

“I can’t do the things that I enjoyed doing, I’ve isolated myself, it’s not healthy. I’m going to therapy sessions weekly to help with my anxiety and depression.

“I’m trying to get out but I won’t walk anywhere, I won’t be alone. I will only go to friends’ houses if it is outside of Swansea and I get a lift there.”

But Mr Gibbins said he doesn’t want his story to stop people from reporting rape or sexual abuse.

“I don’t want people who have been raped to feel as if they can’t speak out. If you are someone who has been affected by rape or sexual abuse then don’t keep it locked up, please speak to someone about it.”

In reference to the allegation made about Mr Gibbins, a spokesman for South Wales Police said: “An allegation of sexual assault was withdrawn by the reporting person and the matter has now been finalised.”

If you are affected by rape or sexual abuse, there are organisati­ons where you can get support and advice.

Rape Crisis England & Wales offers support and counsellin­g for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. Helpline 0808 802 9999 (12pm-2.30pm, 7pm-9.30pm) rapecrisis.org.uk

New Pathways, 01685 379310, newpathway­s.org.uk also offers support and counsellin­g in Wales

 ?? ADRIAN WHITE ?? ‘Before I was very outgoing... now I’m an empty shell’ – Curtis Gibbins at his home in Port Tennant
ADRIAN WHITE ‘Before I was very outgoing... now I’m an empty shell’ – Curtis Gibbins at his home in Port Tennant
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