Parents stunned to hear rapist handed job at after-school club

A WOMAN was able to get a job with a youth club while under investigation for raping a 17-year-old girl.

- CONOR GOGARTY

Sarah Vigus and Robert Ellis-Evans raped a girl of 17 after she had passed out from drinking alcohol

Sarah Vigus, aka Sarah Parkinson, continued in her role at YMCA Porthcawl's after-school club until she was remanded in custody having been found guilty of rape and assault by penetration, we can reveal.

When the Western Mail asked the young people's charity how this was allowed to happen, its spokesman replied: “We have not been contacted by the police at any point, either before or following Sarah's arrest, and were shocked to learn of the events that had taken place.”

But a statement from South Wales Police raises questions over the YMCA's position.

A police spokesman said the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) carried out a check on Vigus in May 2023 when she applied to work for the YMCA - and that the certificate contained “comprehensive details about her arrest and the nature and extent of the alleged offences” from 2022.

In early April this year, a jury found Vigus, 38, and her accomplice in the attack - her 39-year-old partner, Robert Ellis-Evans - guilty of rape. This month they were each sentenced to eight years and three months in jail.

The Western Mail asked the YMCA to respond to the police statement.

Meanwhile, families of children who attend the club in John Street have been left reeling after news of the case.

One mother told us: “This woman worked with YMCA Porthcawl after-school club while she was under investigation - picking my child up and other young children from primary school right up until the court date.

“I feel absolutely sickened this was allowed to happen. I would have never, ever let my daughter near her if I knew this.”

Another mother wrote on social media: “Sarah looked after my son from the age of three upwards. It sends a shiver down my spine.”