Couple jailed for raping vulnerable teenage girl

A GIRL woke up to find herself being raped by a man as his partner held her down.

- PHILIP DEWEY

> Robert Ellis-Evans, 39 > Sarah Vigus, 38

She screamed when she realised she was being violated by the couple and has spoken about the devastating impact the incident has had upon her.

Robert Ellis-Evans, 39, and Sarah Vigus aka Parkinson, 38, of Bridgend, carried out the rape of the 17-year-old girl after she had spent the night drinking vodka shots.

The defendants had previously professed sexual interest in the victim, in messages between them, and had spoken about taking part in group sex.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday heard the victim passed out or fell asleep due to her level of intoxication.

Upon waking, she found Vigus was hovering over her with her hand around her waist with a forceful grip and applying pressure in order to hold her down.

She said she was not sure what was happening to her, but then realised Ellis-Evans was raping her. The victim said she was extremely upset and started screaming and crying.

Ellis-Evans stopped and pulled up his clothes as Vigus attempted to calm the victim down, claiming she had consented, but the victim knew she had not done so.

The victim later reported the incident to her parents and the police were called. Both defendants were arrested the next morning, and denied raping the victim.

Ellis-Evans and Vigus, both of Heol Degwm, North Cornelly, faced trial and were both found guilty of rape, with Vigus also found guilty of assault by penetration.