Briton Ferry man gets 17 years in prison for rape and sexual offences

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been handed an extended sentence after he was found guilty of several sexual offences.

24-year-old Talvinder Atwal, from Briton Ferry, was found guilty in July of multiple rapes and sexual assaults of a woman. He was also found guilty of intentional strangulation in relation to the same victim.

In total, Atwal, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, was found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration, one count of intentional strangulation, two counts of sexual assault on a female and one count of engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour.

He has been handed an extended 17-year prison sentence.

Detective Inspector Meirian Evans said:

“Talvinder Atwal made his victim’s life a living hell and subjected her to repeated sexual crimes.

“The length of the sentence imposed upon him highlights the significance and seriousness of his level of offending.

“He completely violated the victim and his actions are reprehensible. We commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward, and hope that she can now finally begin to move on with her life."

We never underestimate how difficult it is for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out and report.

But 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 here.