Dominik Szymanski, a 47-year-old man from Swansea, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for raping a woman after she refused to have sex with him, assaulting her, and stealing her dog. The attack occurred on September 2, 2025, at the victim's flat on Matthew Street, where Szymanski punched, kicked, and dragged the woman, leaving her with little means of defending herself, according to South Wales Police.
Attack and Court Proceedings
Szymanski met the victim for the first time on the day of the assault. He initially denied the charges, claiming he was incapable of maintaining an erection and therefore no sexual activity could have taken place, as reported by Wales Online. However, he was found guilty in May 2026 of rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and theft. The court heard that the day after the victim gave evidence and was cross-examined, she was found dead. An inquest has yet to establish her cause of death.
Victim's Mother's Statement
In a statement read to the court by the victim's mother, it was revealed that her daughter was an animal lover devoted to her dog. The mother described her daughter as looking "broken" and "in a state of despair" after the rape and theft of her beloved companion. It was only after the dog was safely returned that the victim began to process the assault. The mother said her daughter had worked hard to overcome addiction issues and dreamed of traveling, having created a bucket list of life goals. She expressed her belief that Szymanski's actions led her daughter to relapse into drug use and ultimately to her death, stating, "In my eyes, his actions killed my child."
Judge's Remarks
Judge Geraint Walters described the case as "disturbing" and noted that Szymanski saw the victim as a "vulnerable individual who he could take advantage of" and was determined to have sex with her. The judge praised the complainant as a "most compelling and honest witness," despite her past struggles with alcohol and drugs.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Claire Davies of South Wales Police said: "This was a prolonged and significant attack enacted by a truly despicable offender against a vulnerable woman who had little means of defending herself. This sentence sends a hugely positive message to victims of sexual abuse that they will be believed, their attackers will be identified, and they will be brought to justice. Despite the victim no longer being able to see that justice has been done for her in court, this result is of great relief to her family and friends; they have seen Dominik Szymanski being held accountable for his actions and duly punished."
Sentencing
Szymanski has been sentenced to 16 years in prison and will be placed on the sex offenders register for life. The court also heard that he kept the victim's dog and arranged to sell it in the days following the attack, but the woman was eventually reunited with her pet.
