Life sentence for rapist

A 32-year-old man from Cardiff received a life sentence at Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to 28 counts of rape, sexual activity with a child and sexual assault by penetration.

Lee Williams from the Pentwyn area of the city will have to spend at least nine years and four months behind bars.

After sentencing Detective Constable Laura Slocombe of the Rape Investigation Team in Rumney, said: “I want to thank the five victims who gave evidence which resulted in Williams being sent to prison.

“They showed great courage in coming forward and I hope the sentence handed down at Court helps to bring some closure to the victims and their families.

“This investigation and the subsequent conviction sends out a positive message that South Wales Police has a zero tolerance approach to violence against women and girls and we will leave no stone unturned until justice is served upon offenders.

Sentencing Williams, the Recorder of Cardiff Judge Tracey Lloyd said: “Your behaviour has caused significant trauma to them all, some of your victims have felt guilty but they have nothing to be guilty about. The guilt and the responsibility all lie with you.”

Williams was also made subject to sex offender notification requirements, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order in respect of all his victims indefinitely.

We take all reports of rape seriously, and urge victims to come forward to report the crime. They should feel safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with respect and dignity and that their allegation will be fully investigated.

Every report of a rape, suspected or possible rape is taken at face value and recorded on the force crime recording system, irrespective of the source of the report. This includes reports made by third parties, through partnership working or from other agencies.

Staff who deal with cases of this nature, from initial contact with the victim through to completion of a file of evidence, undertake a comprehensive training and accreditation process to ensure a professional investigation.

The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) facility is considered in all instances of rape. Utilising the SARC from the outset ensures the right support for the victim throughout the process, from the initial reporting through to conclusion, offering health care, crisis support and mentoring through any criminal justice process.