Ex-teacher on trial denies 'boasting' about alleged rape

A MAN accused of raping three women in Carmarthen over a period of 20 years has denied "boasting about rape" and insists he has "not done anything criminal whatsoever".

- ROB HARRIES

Daniel Gravell, a 43-year-old former teacher, is charged with three counts of rape and is on trial at Swansea Crown Court.

He denies all charges.

The first accusation dates back to January 2002, when a complainant said she was raped by Gravell at a house in Carmarthen. Answering questions in the dock on day seven of the trial yesterday, the defendant said he remembers having sex with the complainant.

He told the court it was "common knowledge" that he had slept with the complainant but he said the world rape was "never used" until he was arrested years later.

He confirmed that between the incident and his arrest he attended a wedding which was also attended by the complainant.

He said the person who invited him to the wedding was a close friend of the complainant, adding: "You would not invite someone who has raped your friend."

During cross-examination yesterday, Gravell was asked by prosecution barrister Matthew Cobbe about the allegation that he told a friend about that night.

"Did you realise you were boasting about rape?" asked Mr Cobbe.