A DECORATED Army veteran from Powys has spoken of his relief after he was acquitted of assault - but says his life will “never be the same”.

David Rawsthorne, 48, had denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm following the incident outside Llandrindod Wells’ Aldi store, in November 2021, claiming he was defending his young son, as well as a member of staff and two elderly men.

At his trial, held at Cardiff Crown Court in September, Mr Rawsthorne, of Tremont Road, Llandrindod, was found not guilty.

But Mr Rawsthorne, who served more than 27 years in the British Army and was awarded several commendations and medals, said the last two years “wrecked my life” and has resulted in him being put on medication for life.

OTHER NEWS:

“These two years have wrecked my life and my wife’s. It’s made me very poorly and the effects will never be fixed,” said Mr Rawsthorne, who joined the Army aged 16 and served three tours of Afghanistan during a distinguished military career.

“My wife has been my rock and I’ve always had everyone’s support around here which has been wonderful.

“I’ve lost count of the amount of people that have said I should have never gone to court.

“I’m on medication for the rest of my life and have spent over 28 weeks having counselling. I was diagnosed with PTSD soon after the event, which I was told opened the box which I have been controlling for over 31 years.

“Now my life will never be the same.”

County Times: David Rawsthorne served for 27 years, including three tours to Afghanistan. David Rawsthorne served for 27 years, including three tours to Afghanistan. (Image: David Rawsthorne)

Mr Rawsthorne joined the Army in 1991, straight from school. He retired in 2017, having attained the rank of warrant officer.  

In addition to his duties in Afghanistan, he has served in Northern Ireland nine times, Africa and Canada twice, as well as Ukraine, Germany, Bosnia, Cyprus, America and across the UK.

He received commendations for his time in Northern Ireland, as well as a Commander of the British Forces Cyprus commendation.

Make sure you don't miss out on any of our news, sports and features. You'll see fewer adverts and enjoy great high street offers too. Just click here for your Powys County Times digital subscription.

He received a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Meritorious Medal, awarded by the NATO secretary general, for actions in Afghanistan, and he was the first of two British soldiers ever to receive one at the time.

He also has a long service and good conduct medal, representing 18 years of unblemished service.

Since leaving the Army, Mr Rawsthorne has campaigned locally for homeless veterans and he is vice chairman of the Llandrindod Royal British Legion branch, whom he tirelessly campaigns and organises social events for.