Murdered teen’s mother calls for return of death penalty

Fifteen-year-old Rebecca was battered to death by her ex-boyfriend Joshua Davies, who was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years in jail today.

Outside the court, Rebecca’s mother Sonia Oatley launched an emotionally charged attack on Davies, 16 (pictured below).

“The evil-doer Joshua Davies robbed us of watching our precious and perfect little girl flourish into a successful young woman,” she said.

“We will never forgive him for tearing our world apart so brutally and I would welcome the return of capital punishment for the likes of Joshua Davies, who forfeited his human rights when he chose to take my daughter’s life.”

Davies was found guilty of murdering his former schoolgirl sweetheart at the end of July. Rebecca, of Bridgend, south Wales, was lured to a forest in nearby Aberkenfig by Davies in October last year.

Her sister Jessica said today that Rebecca had bought a new outfit to meet Davies, thinking that they would were on track to get back together as a couple.

Rebecca was “singing and dancing” with excitement beforehand, her sister said.

Ms Oatley said: “He (Davies) was the perfect gentleman and he deceived us all, he lured Rebecca that day. I just didn’t see it.”

Rebecca was attacked by Davies in the woods with a rock the size of a rugby ball, and left face down in the rain.

Judge Mr Justice Lloyd Jones said Davies had repeatedly boasted to friends that he would kill Rebecca after a break up which left “bitterness on both sides”. Davies’ friends however had always assumed he was joking.

Yet the judge said in the days before Rebecca’s murder Davies had been “devious, calculating and controlling and you have shown no remorse”.

He added: “Her death will leave a permanent shadow over the lives of her family, the effect of which has been devastating.”

I would welcome the return of capital punishment for the likes of Joshua Davies, who forfeited his human rights when he chose to take my daughter’s life. Rebecca’s mother, Sonia Oatley

Ms Oatley said her daughter was “a promising student, a wonderful friend but, most importantly, a loved and loving daughter and sister.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Rebecca was destined for great things.”

Appearing in Swansea Crown Court today, Davies had already been told to “expect a sentence of indefinite duration”.

Earlier Peter Rouch QC, who defended Davies, said the teenager still maintained his innocence, claiming his best friend was the real killer.

“My instructions remain the same, in that Joshua Davies stands by the version that he gave during the course of the trial,” he said.