Paedophile Bryan Davies jailed for 22 years for historic sex abuse

A former children's home boss and paedophile has been jailed for 22 years after a trial at Mold Crown Court. Bryan Davies was convicted of historic sex abuse during his time at Eirianfa children’s home in Llangollen in the 1970s, caring for some of the most vulnerable children of the day.

Judge Huw Rees told Davies, who was 71 on the first day of his trial, that he would be an old man when he was released, if ever.

He pleaded not guilty but was convicted of a total of 15 offences against eight children, described by the judge as now broken men in their 50s whose lives had been blighted by his serious breach of trust.

Davies was convicted of illegal penetrative acts in respect of two of the victims and received 22 years for those. He must register with the police as a sex offender for life.

During the trial the defendant went on the run and tried to commit suicide in a hotel in Folkstone. The defendant, who denied all charges, disappeared for six years after his first interview and had to be extradited from Malta to face trial.

Judge Rees said that he had tried every procedural and evidential way to try and avoid justice, but the judge said the time had come to sentence him for his “appalling and persistent sexual abuse of boys in his care”.

The later internet offences showed his continuing unhealthy interest in young teenage boys.

“You will reach advanced old age before you are released from prison, if at all,” the judge told him.

Six of the complainants were in court today to see the sentence take place – along with some members of the jury who convicted him after a five week trial.

Officers from the National Crime Agency who investigated the case under Operation Pallial were commended for their work.