A dangerous sexual predator who systematically used dating apps to target and assault vulnerable women has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following an extensive police investigation that revealed his calculated pattern of abuse.
The Charming Facade
Lewis Dunstan, 27, presented himself as a charming businessman to his victims, carefully crafting a persona that gained their trust before revealing his true violent nature. The construction company director from Carmarthen, Wales, used popular dating platforms including Tinder to identify potential targets.
Systematic Pattern of Abuse
Detectives discovered Dunstan followed a disturbing pattern with each victim:
- Building initial trust through charming messages and apparent generosity
- Isolating victims in private locations
- Using increasing levels of violence and control
- Threatening victims to prevent them from reporting attacks
Investigation Breakthrough
The case broke open when one brave victim came forward to South Wales Police, triggering Operation Bluestone which identified multiple women who had suffered similar attacks. Detective Constable Lowri Jones described how "the similarities in the accounts from different victims were striking and formed a clear pattern of predatory behaviour."
Courtroom Justice
At Swansea Crown Court, Dunstan was found guilty of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. Judge Paul Thomas KC condemned the predator's "campaign of rape" and highlighted the profound impact on his victims, stating they had been subjected to "terrifying and humiliating" attacks that would affect them for life.
Police Warning to Dating App Users
Following the sentencing, police issued important safety advice for dating app users:
- Always meet in public places for initial dates
- Tell friends or family about your plans and location
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
- Report suspicious behaviour to both the dating platform and police
The case has highlighted the importance of vigilance when meeting strangers through digital platforms, even as police emphasise that the responsibility lies entirely with perpetrators, not victims.
