Man receives 9-year sentence for two counts of rape

On the 4th October 2021 Islwyn Gary Watkins, from St Athan, was convicted of two counts of rape at Cardiff Crown Court.

On Friday, November 5, the 46-year-old appeared at the same court for sentence and received a 9-year prison sentence.

Watkins, who is originally from Abergavenny, was also made subject of an indefinite restraining order.

The following statement was read out to the court on behalf of the victim:

"I don't recognise the person who appears in my statement as I see a woman who is clearly distressed, and emotionally and mentally spent, but somehow found the courage and the words to provide evidence in order to press charges. I will have to live for the rest of my life with the fact I was raped."

The court heard there had been delays in the case due to a long investigation, delays in the court system and the coronavirus pandemic.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Boffy, the officer in the case, said:

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for South Wales Police and this case demonstrates our commitment.”

“We take all reports of sexual assault seriously and urge victims to come forward to report it, regardless of when it happened, safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with respect and dignity and that their allegation will be fully investigated.”

Find out how South Wales Police supports victims of rape and sexual assault with the help of our partner organisations and charitable groups by visiting our website.

Support for victims of rape and sexual assault | South Wales Police (south-wales.police.uk)

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