Record details
A man who sexually abused two young girls and tried to blame his drug and alcohol use has been jailed, a court heard.
David Prothero repeatedly assaulted the children, including molesting one in her school party dress and orally raped a victim. In total, he subjected four children to sexual abuse or violence.
At Swansea Crown Court, Judge Huw Rees described Prothero's behavior as "inexcusable" and said it would have "devastating" long-term impacts on the victims.
Prosecutor Andrew Kendall said the abuse emerged in August last year when one victim disclosed to her mother that Prothero had assaulted and orally raped her. One incident involved him touching her breasts while she wore a party dress.
Police investigation revealed more victims: a teenage girl he repeatedly abused sexually, and a boy and girl he physically assaulted.
Prothero, 39, of Tumble, Carmarthenshire, pleaded guilty to two counts of oral rape of a 13-year-old female, four counts of sexual activity with a female under 18, four counts of sexual assault on a female, child ill-treatment, and assault by beating. He had one prior conviction for drunk and disorderly from 2009.
Defense counsel James Hartson said Prothero had no history of sexual or violent offending, was "mortified, ashamed, and deeply embarrassed," and was "struggling to come to terms" with his actions. He noted Prothero's past as a carpenter before addiction issues, but added that blaming drink and drugs "is not an explanation which washed with probation and which will not wash with this court - there can be no excuse."
With plea discounts, Prothero was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years' imprisonment, serving two-thirds in custody before license release. He is a lifelong registered sex offender, subject to indefinite sexual harm prevention orders, and lifelong restraining orders barring victim contact.
Dyfed-Powys Police Detective Inspector Rebecca Thomas called it a "disturbing case" with four young, innocent victims. She praised their bravery:
"The bravery shown by the victims in this case must be recognised. Their courage to speak out against this abuser is ultimately what has put David Prothero in prison today. These children are a credit to themselves and to their family.
"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 wonât forget the moment one victim said 'he canât 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."
