Crime

Couple jailed for raping teenage girl after night of drinking

Published

7 months ago

September 22, 2025

Bridgend pair sentenced to more than eight years each after jury convicts them of rape and assault

A TEENAGER who had been drinking vodka woke to find herself being raped by a man while his partner held her down, Cardiff Crown Court has heard.

Robert Ellis-Evans, 39, and Sarah Vigus, 38, both of Heol Degwm, North Cornelly, targeted the 17-year-old after a night of heavy drinking. The jury was told the pair had already expressed a sexual interest in the victim in private messages, and had previously discussed their desire to engage in group sex.

The court heard the victim had passed out, or fallen asleep, due to intoxication. When she woke, Vigus was restraining her by gripping her tightly around the waist while Ellis-Evans was penetrating her.

The girl screamed and cried when she realised what was happening. Ellis-Evans pulled on his clothes while Vigus attempted to calm the teenager, insisting she had consented. The victim immediately rejected this claim and later told her parents what had happened. Police were contacted, and both defendants were arrested the following morning.

During police interview, both denied raping the teenager. Vigus admitted digital penetration but claimed it had been consensual. Despite their denials, a jury convicted Ellis-Evans of rape, and Vigus of both rape and assault by penetration.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, the teenager described the deep psychological impact of the attack. She said: “Every day I think about what happened, it has had a massive effect on my mental health. I feel dirty and ashamed, and no matter how many times I bathe or shower I cannot feel clean. I have fallen out of love with my body and who I am. I thought of self-harm and suicide, I felt powerless and out of control.”

She told the court that she struggles with intimacy, feels guilty for burdening her parents, and still relives the incident in her sleep. She added: “I am not the person I used to be. I grieve for the person I was.”

The case took two-and-a-half years to come to trial. The victim said that far from feeling relief at the guilty verdicts, she has been left “in survival mode, constantly second-guessing myself.”

Mitigation was put forward on behalf of both defendants. John Ryan, for Ellis-Evans, said his client had reflected on his behaviour, felt genuine remorse and had been unable to see his children since the offences. Martha Smith-Higgins, for Vigus, said her client had two children, had lost five stone in custody, and had stopped drinking. She was described as a “low risk of reoffending.”

Sentencing the pair, Judge Lucy Crowther said: “You both violated her in an intimate way, both emotionally and physically. She was a particularly vulnerable young woman, and you took advantage of that vulnerability. These were grave offences.”

Both Ellis-Evans and Vigus were sentenced to eight years and three months’ imprisonment. They must serve two-thirds before being released on licence. Each will remain subject to lifelong sex offender registration and an indefinite restraining order.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

13 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.