A teenage girl vividly recounted the horrifying experience of waking up to discover she was being sexually assaulted by a man while his partner restrained her. The 17-year-old had consumed vodka shots with Robert Ellis-Evans, 39, and Sarah Vigus, also known as Parkinson, 38, from Bridgend, before the assault took place. Prior interactions revealed the couple’s interest in engaging in group sexual activities with the teenager.
Upon realizing the attack, the victim screamed and wept, describing the profound emotional toll the incident had on her. During the trial at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that the victim had passed out or fallen asleep due to excessive alcohol consumption. Upon regaining consciousness, she found Vigus holding her down with force while Ellis-Evans was assaulting her.
The victim reported the assault to her parents, leading to the arrest of the defendants the following morning. Despite their denials, both Ellis-Evans and Vigus were found guilty of rape, with Vigus also convicted of assault by penetration. The court noted that Ellis-Evans had no prior sexual offense convictions, and Vigus had a clean record.
In a powerful statement read in court, the victim expressed the lasting impact of the assault on her mental health, detailing feelings of shame, self-blame, and struggles with daily life. She described the challenges of facing the perpetrators in court and the enduring trauma she continues to endure. The victim emphasized her determination to rebuild her life and move forward, despite the profound effects of the assault.
During sentencing, Judge Lucy Crowther condemned the defendants for violating the victim both emotionally and physically, highlighting her vulnerability. Ellis-Evans and Vigus were each sentenced to eight years and three months in prison, with a requirement to serve two-thirds of their sentences before being eligible for release on license. Additionally, they were subjected to lifelong sex offender notification requirements and an indefinite restraining order.
Following the verdict, DC Jessica Pritchard of South Wales Police commended the victim’s courage and resilience throughout the investigation and court proceedings. She acknowledged the difficulty victims face in engaging with the criminal justice system in cases of sexual assault, emphasizing the importance of supporting survivors during the challenging legal process. Pritchard emphasized the significance of the victim’s testimony and expressed hope that the court’s decision would bring her some measure of peace as she moves forward in her journey of recovery.