Man Jailed for 20 Years Over Home Sexual Assault

Benjamin Guiver, from Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, received a 20-year jail sentence after he “brutally” sexually assaulted a woman in her home. He dragged her back to the property by her hair when she attempted to escape. Guiver entered the Goodwick residence where the woman, whose identity is legally protected, was sleeping before launching a violent attack. Swansea Crown Court was told the victim was repeatedly and mercilessly beaten during the assault on 24 May 2024. Guiver pleaded guilty to several charges: sexual assault by penetration, assault, intentional strangulation, trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, and threats to kill. Judge Geraint Walters commented that it would be “hard for anybody to imagine a more brutal and terrifying attack within a person’s own home”. Testimony presented in court indicated that the victim had fallen asleep in her living room around 21:00 BST, watching television and awaiting her partner’s return. She awoke to find Guiver, a stranger to her, kneeling next to her, and subsequently tried to flee the premises. Guiver pursued her, covering her mouth as she attempted to scream for assistance, then kicked her and threw her across the driveway. He subsequently dragged the woman back into the house by her hair before committing sexual assault. After being thrown onto the bed, the woman attempted to reason with Guiver, stating she perceived his distress. However, Guiver then began to strangle her, informing her of his intent to rape and kill her. Guiver sexually assaulted the victim and, despite her pleas for release, repeatedly struck her head against a radiator. The assault ceased only upon the arrival of her relative and partner, who then pursued Guiver out of the residence. Prosecutor Robin Rouch reported that the female victim sustained multiple injuries, including fractures and extensive bruising to her face and stomach. In an impact statement presented on her behalf, the victim conveyed that the attack had ruined her life, as she believed she was taking her last breath. The statement read: “I am a shell. Constantly nervous and frightened of my own shadow.” The victim stated that her ongoing injuries have impacted her daily life, describing it as a “struggle to look in the mirror due to the injuries.” She further added, “I feel I am no longer myself,” explaining that “simple tasks like folding sheets is a struggle” and that her partner must now assist her with dressing and styling her hair. She also mentioned that she is no longer able to sleep in the room where the assault occurred. She added, “My whole life has been ruined by one person on one night. I know what has happened is going to continue to haunt me for the rest of my life.” The victim’s son also sustained injuries while attempting to pursue the 35-year-old Guiver from the house, experiencing punches and choking before law enforcement arrived. In his court statement, he recounted arriving home to hear his mother screaming for help. Regarding Guiver, he stated, “The only thing on my mind was not to lose the male.” He further noted that he continues to experience flashbacks of the night and “can’t get the noise my mother was making out of my head.” During sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters remarked that Guiver was laughing at his victim while strangling her as she turned blue. He stated, “She was right to fear that you might kill her because you’d completely lost all reason and control” due to the drugs and alcohol Guiver had consumed that day. The judge added, “The chances are that she won’t ever completely recover from what you did.” Guiver received a sentence of 20 years in prison, comprising a 15-year custodial term and an extended five-year licence period. Additionally, an indefinite restraining order has been issued, prohibiting him from any contact with the victim. Following the sentencing, DCI Matthew Briggs of Dyfed-Powys Police commended the victim’s courage, stating: “The victim in this case has shown immense courage throughout the investigation, and I commend her for that. Suffering such an attack in your own home is unimaginable, and – as she detailed in her statement – has impacted every aspect of her life.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.