14 years in prison for man who held ex captive in cave, raped and tried to kill her

A man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after admitting attempting to kill his estranged wife and holding her hostage in an underground cave for three days in 2017.

Roddy Swinton Williams, 44, born in the Seychelles, was awaiting trial for the attempted murder of Nathalie Williams. He had raped her, held her captive, instilled in her fear of violence against her and her family, slightly injured her son Owen Vella and threatened officials.

Nevertheless, the defense and prosecution agreed to a deal this week that provides for a prison sentence of 14 years for the defendant.

The case dates back to October 2017, when Nathalie received a text message on her way to work.

“Hi, this is Audrey. Call me at this number,” the text message read.

However, when she called back, her estranged husband, Roddy, answered the phone, demanding a meeting with her and threatening to kill her father and children if she didn’t.

The victim, Natalie Williams.

Out of fear, she agreed to meet him. But when they met at Xgħajra, they got into an argument and he pushed her into the sea. He then helped her out, but finally pushed her into an underground chamber beneath Fort Ricasoli.

She had stated in court that she was “trapped like a mouse,” cold and confused, and that he had raped her several times during her time in hiding.

Nathalie was reported missing by her relatives and was found in the cave three days later after Roddy told police where she was being held captive.

Roddy pleaded not guilty and was eventually released on bail.

While awaiting trial, Roddy was arrested in a drugs raid at a garage in Qormi, where he was reportedly living in 2019, and sentenced to nine months in prison.

This week, Roddy pleaded guilty to all six charges in the attempted murder of Nathalie. Judge Consuelo Scerri Herrera sentenced him to prison and imposed a three-year restraining order in favor of the woman and her son, Owen.

She also ordered Roddy to pay €12,753 in court costs.