A teenager shared a harrowing experience of waking up to a sexual assault orchestrated by a man and his accomplice. The 17-year-old had consumed vodka shots with Robert Ellis-Evans, 39, and Sarah Vigus, also known as Parkinson, 38, from Bridgend. Prior to the assault, the defendants had expressed interest in engaging in group activities with the victim, as revealed in their messages.
During the incident, the victim awoke to find Vigus restraining her with a firm grip while Ellis-Evans was holding her legs and engaging in non-consensual penetration. Despite Vigus claiming the victim had consented, the victim vehemently denied it, leading to distress and emotional turmoil.
Upon reporting the assault to her parents, the police intervened, resulting in the arrest of both defendants. Despite their denial of the rape allegations, Ellis-Evans and Vigus were found guilty of rape, with Vigus also convicted of assault by penetration. The court noted Ellis-Evans’ lack of prior sexual offense convictions and Vigus’ previous good character.
In a poignant statement read in court, the victim expressed the profound impact the assault had on her mental health, leading to feelings of dirtiness, self-harm ideation, and a strained relationship with her body. The victim struggled with the trial process, feeling anxious and vulnerable, and faced challenges in coping with the aftermath of the assault.
The sentencing saw Ellis-Evans and Vigus each receiving eight years and three months of imprisonment, with a requirement to serve two-thirds of the sentence before being eligible for release on license. Both defendants were also subjected to lifelong sex offender notification requirements and an indefinite restraining order.
Following the court proceedings, DC Jessica Pritchard of South Wales Police commended the victim for her resilience and bravery throughout the investigation and trial. She emphasized the difficulty victims face in engaging with legal processes involving sexual offenses and lauded the victim’s courage in delivering a powerful statement during sentencing. Pritchard expressed hope that the victim could find solace in the court’s decision and start rebuilding her life post the defendants’ sentencing.