Raped a 17-year-old girl as she begged him to stop.

Dolgellau Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Rape

A 34-year-old man from Dolgellau has been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment for rape. Thomas John Cato, of Bristol House, Smithfield Street, Dolgellau, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Wednesday, 14 June, after being convicted of a rape that occurred in Dolgellau on 9 November, 2022.

Cato received an 11-year custodial sentence, followed by an extended period of six years on license following his release. He was also made subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), must register as a sex offender for life, and was handed an indefinite restraining order against the victim.

Detective Constable Bethany Clarke, the investigating officer, said: "Cato is a dangerous individual with a history of violent behaviour. The length of his sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the impact it has had on not just the victim, but on the local community."

Clarke continued: "My thoughts are with the victim who has shown remarkable bravery throughout the investigation, and I hope that she can find closure and comfort in knowing that justice has been served today."

Detective Inspector Chris Hargrave of the North Wales Amethyst Team said: "We continue to be committed to bringing perpetrators of sexual crimes to justice and I would encourage anyone who wishes to report a sexual crime to come forward and speak to us."

Hargrave added: "The Amethyst team is made up of specially trained officers to support victims through the investigation. We work closely with the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to provide confidential medical, practical and emotional support from specialist doctors, nurses and support workers."