A MAN and a woman from North Cornelly have been sentenced to a total of 16 years and 6 months for rape.
A South Wales Police spokesperson said: “On Sunday, 4 September, 2022, we received a report that a 17-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by Sean Ellis-Evans and Sarah Vigus. The call was made by the victim’s mother, who was speaking on her behalf.
“Officers responded to the call and took a statement from the victim who explained that she had been out celebrating with Vigus, and Vigus’s partner Ellis-Evans at a local pub. After their time at the pub, Vigus and Ellis-Evans invited her to their home on Heol Degwm, which she accepted. Upon arriving, she recalled little except for falling asleep on the downstairs sofa. When she woke up, she noticed Vigus hovering over her and became aware that Ellis-Evans was assaulting her. She also recalled feeling Vigus’s hands on her body and watching Ellis- Evan’s actions.
“The victim became distressed and attempted to leave, but Vigus tried to prevent her. After gathering her belongings, the victim left the house and began walking down the street, followed by Ellis-Evans who then took her home. Once home, she disclosed the traumatic events to her parents.”
Victim statement
As part of her personal victim statement, she said: “My life and mental health changed drastically on 4 September 2022. After two-and-a half-years waiting for the trial, the verdict on 4 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.”
During the investigation, analysis of mobile phone data revealed that the couple had expressed fantasies about engaging in sexual acts with the 17-year-old victim and on the night, of 4 September, they bought several alcoholic drinks for her before inviting her back to their home.
At the conclusion of the trial, the jury reached a unanimous verdict, finding both defendants guilty. Given the gravity of the offence, they were both remanded into custody.
On 22nd September, Sean Ellis-Evans and Sarah Vigus both from Heol Degwm, North Cornelly, were sentenced to a total of 16 years and 6 months at Cardiff Crown Court.
| Sean Ellis-Evans (39) was sentence to 8 years and 3 months for rape.
| Sarah Marie Vigus (38) was sentenced to 8 years and 3 months for sexual assault by penetration and rape.
DC Jessica Pritchard said: “The victim has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience throughout this investigation and during her time in court, where she provided compelling evidence to the jury. It’s important to recognise how challenging it can be for victims of sexual offences to engage with police investigations; the process is often traumatic, court dates can stretch on for months, and discussing such deeply personal experiences is never easy.
“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.”
The SWP spokesperson added: “We never underestimate how difficult it is for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out and report. We hope cases like this one provide reassurance that victims will be listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and will be supported throughout the judicial process.
“If you have been sexually abused, and you are not yet ready to report to police, please don’t suffer in silence. A wealth of information and details of support services can be found online at Support after rape and sexual assault | South Wales Police
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