Jail for man who raped a woman while on bail for possessing indecent images

A Rhondda man has been jailed for rape and possessing indecent images.

Mathew Pugh, 40, raped a woman while she was unable to consent in July, 2023.

Security staff working at a premises near to where the rape happened, contacted police with concerns for the vulnerable victim after seeing her on CCTV.

Officers arrived within minutes and found the victim upset. Mathew Pugh was still in the area and was arrested and following an investigation charged with rape. An application for remand was made by South Wales Police which was granted by the court.

When Pugh raped his victim, he was on bail for possessing indecent images. In May, 2023, people known to Pugh contacted police after they found indecent images on his phone when they borrowed it to listen to music. Officers responded, seized Pugh’s phone and arrested him when they discovered illegal content which included Category A images. He was charged while on remand for the rape offence.

Mathew Pugh entered a not guilty plea to rape in February this year but was found guilty following a trial in July.

He pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing indecent images.

On Friday, September 6, he appeared at Cardiff Crown Court to be sentenced for all offences, where he was jailed for 13 years with an extended licence of up to six years.

Officer in the Case, Detective Constable Ashley Colston said:

“Pugh’s victim was in no way able to consent to sexual intercourse that night he raped her. I commend the victim’s bravery throughout this process, which has been long and difficult. We will continue to ensure the victim gets the support she needs. Today, she got the justice she deserves and I do hope this helps her recover from what has been a traumatic period in her life and that news of this prosecution gives other victims the courage to come forward. Images found on Pugh’s phone confirm his sexual boundaries are a danger to society which is a safer place with him behind bars.”

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