Ex-Pembroke mayor David Boswell jailed after child rape
- Published
David Boswell, 58, was convicted of four counts of indecent assault and one count of rape at Swansea Crown Court
A former Pembroke mayor convicted of raping a child has been jailed for 18 years.
David Boswell, from Pembroke Dock, carried out the sex attack on the young girl in the 1990s.
The 58-year-old was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault and one count of rape after a trial at Swansea Crown Court last month.
He was also handed a sexual harm prevention order and restraining order stopping him contacting under 16s.
Boswell raped and indecently assaulted one girl and indecently assaulted another, the court heard.
He was cleared of three other counts of indecent assault against the two complainants.
A judge was told the victims remain frightened of Boswell to this day.
In a statement read to the court, one of his victims said: "I feel like a freak. I feel like I'm damaged for what he did to me."
Boswell served in the Army for 12 years and was also a marshal for the Royal British Legion
Boswell was elected to represent Pembroke St Mary North in May 2017.
He went on to become town mayor, but stepped aside from the role less than three months later after being charged by police.
The former soldier and lorry driver was then suspended by the Conservative Party.
Boswell had claimed the allegations were "complete lies", but was convicted after a trial.
Judge Keith Thomas said: "This was a gross abuse of trust."
Following sentencing, Dyfed-Powys Police said Boswell's victims had been incredibly brave in coming forward.
Supt Ross Evans said: "This has been a long and difficult investigation for the victims.
"I hope anyone else who has experienced similar abuse at any stage of their life can find courage from this case to see that all reports will be taken seriously and fully investigated."
An NSPCC spokesman added: "This case has highlighted how victims of past abuse are burdened with the fear of their abuser into their adult life.
"Boswell's public profile would only have heightened this for his victims.
"But the bravery of the women subjected as children to Boswell's despicable crimes has helped put him behind bars where he cannot harm others."
Officials have confirmed Boswell technically remains a county councillor.
A spokesman said the council cannot legally remove him until any potential appeal has been exhausted.
- Published18 June 2018
- Published13 October 2017
