A TEENAGE girl woke to find she was being raped by a man as his partner held her down.
The 17-year-old screamed as Robert Ellis-Evans, 39, and Sarah Vigus, 38, horrifically attacked her after she passed out on their sofa.
South Wales PoliceSarah Vigus was sentenced to eight months and three months for rape[/caption]
South Wales PoliceSean Ellis-Evans received the same jail sentence and a further charge of sexual assault by penetration[/caption]
Appearing at Cardiff Crown Court, the couple were jailed for more than 16 years for the brutal attack in September 2022.
A unanimous verdict was reached by the jury before the pair were both sentenced to eight months and three months for rape.
Ellis-Evans was found guilty of a further charge of sexual assault by penetration.
In the hours leading up to the rape, the victim had been out drinking with Vigus and Ellis-Evans at a local pub.
Police investigations revealed the pair had discussed sexual fantasies involving the teenager prior to the attack.
They bought several alcoholic drinks for her before inviting her back to their home in Bridgend, South Wales.
After arriving, she explained that she passed out on the couple’s downstairs sofa.
However, when she woke up, she realised Vigus was hovering over her and became aware that Ellis-Evans was assaulting her.
The victim recalled feeling Vigus’s forceful hands on her body and watching Ellis-Evan’s shocking actions.
She immediately screamed and shouted at her attackers, forcing them both to withdraw.
Vigus tried to stop the teen from leaving, but she gathered her belongings and quickly left the property.
When she arrived home, the 17-year-old then told her parents about the rape, prompting her mum to phone cops.
South Wales Police later took a statement from the victim, who told how she was left feeling “disgusting” after the attack.
In a victim statement, she said: “My life and mental health changed drastically on 4th September 2022.
“After 2 and a half years waiting for the trial, the verdict on 4th April 2025 left me feeling the opposite of relieved.
“Since Sarah Vigus and Sean 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.”
Mitigating for Ellis-Evans, John Ryan for Ellis-Evans said his client was remorseful and had been unable to see his children as a result.
Martha Smith-Higgins, on behalf of Vigus, said her client has two children and was considered a “low risk of reoffending”.
Handing down her judgement, Judge Lucy Crowther said the pair had taken advantage of a “vulnerable” victim.
She added: “You both violated her in an intimate way, both emotionally and physically. She was a particularly vulnerable woman.”
Detective Constable Jessica Pritchard, the investigating officer, praised the victim for her bravery.
She said: “The victim has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience throughout this investigation and during her time in court.
“It’s important to recognise how challenging it can be for victims of sexual offences to engage with police investigations.
“Evidence clearly indicated that the defendants had shown a sexual interest in the 17-year-old victim long before the assault occurred.
“The victim’s powerful personal statement delivered during sentencing highlighted her courage and determination.
“I hope this brings her some sense of peace as she begins to rebuild her life following the judge’s decision regarding both defendants.”
GettyThe couple were jailed for more than 16 years for the brutal attack at Cardiff Crown Court[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
