Bridgend pair sentenced to more than eight years each after jury convicts them of rape and assault
A MAN and woman from North Cornelly have been jailed for more than eight years each after raping a 17-year-old girl who had been out drinking with them.
Robert (also known as Sean) Ellis-Evans, 39, and Sarah Vigus, 38, both of Heol Degwm, North Cornelly, targeted the teenager after an evening at a local pub on 4 September 2022.
The court heard that after their night out, the pair invited the girl back to their home. She recalled little after arriving, apart from falling asleep on the sofa. When she woke, she realised Vigus was holding her down while Ellis-Evans was raping her.
The victim became distressed and tried to leave, but Vigus attempted to stop her. After gathering her belongings she managed to leave the house, with Ellis-Evans following her and then taking her home. Once back at her family address, she told her parents what had happened and her mother called police.
Officers arrested both defendants the following morning. During the investigation, detectives uncovered mobile phone messages showing the couple had expressed sexual interest in the victim well before the attack, and had bought her several alcoholic drinks on the night in question before taking her back to their address.
At trial, Ellis-Evans denied rape while Vigus admitted sexual contact but claimed it was consensual. A jury convicted Ellis-Evans of rape, and Vigus of both rape and assault by penetration.
In her victim personal statement, the teenager described how the attack had left her traumatised. She said: “My life and mental health changed drastically on 4 September 2022. After two and a half years waiting for the trial, the verdict left me feeling the opposite of relieved. Since Sarah Vigus and Robert Ellis-Evans were found guilty of rape, I’ve lived in survival mode, constantly second-guessing myself. I’ve developed an unhealthy relationship with intimacy, affecting my partners. I feel guilty for burdening my parents. I wear a mask, hiding my true feelings. I struggle with sleep, reliving that night, and I feel disgusted with my body. I dropped out of college but returned to focus on my teaching degree, hoping to rebuild my life and make my parents proud.”
Sentencing the pair, Judge Lucy Crowther told them: “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.”
Both defendants were sentenced to eight years and three months in prison — a combined total of 16 years and six months. They must serve two-thirds before being released on licence. Both will also be subject to lifelong sex offender registration and an indefinite restraining order.
Following the hearing, Detective Constable Jessica Pritchard praised the victim’s “remarkable strength and resilience.” She said: “Evidence clearly indicated that the defendants had shown a sexual interest in the victim long before the assault occurred. Her powerful statement highlighted her courage and determination. I hope this brings her some sense of peace as she begins to rebuild her life.”
South Wales Police said they never underestimate how difficult it is for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out, and urged anyone affected not to suffer in silence.
If you have been sexually abused and are not ready to speak to police, information and details of support services can be found online through specialist organisations.
