Man Sentenced for Sexual Assault of Schoolgirl in Abertillery
Cardiff, Wales — A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to nearly five years in a young offenders institution after pleading guilty to the violent sexual assault of a schoolgirl in Abertillery, an incident that has left lasting emotional trauma for the victim.
Rhys Warren, of Lancaster Street, Six Bells, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court following a guilty plea to one count of rape. The court heard that the attack occurred after a chance encounter between Warren and the girl, during which he attempted to kiss her, made inappropriate and aggressive remarks, and carried out the assault when the girl tried to flee.
According to testimony presented in court, the young victim has experienced significant emotional and psychological distress as a result of the attack. A statement read on her behalf detailed her ongoing struggles with sleep, anxiety, and trust in others, and noted that her academic performance had suffered considerably.
Judge Wayne Beard, presiding over the case, described the assault as a “terrible offence” that would likely have lifelong effects on the complainant. He noted that Warren showed a clear disregard for the wellbeing of the victim and emphasized the seriousness of the crime.
Warren was given a sentence of four years and ten weeks in a young offenders institution, reduced by 20 percent due to his early guilty plea. He will serve up to half of the sentence in custody before being released on licence under supervision for the remainder.
The case has prompted renewed calls for awareness, prevention, and support services for survivors of sexual violence, especially for vulnerable young people in local communities.
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