'I'm not sure I'll ever get over what he did to me' - the words of a woman raped by Dean Edwards almost 20 years ago

Dean Edwards has been jailed for a rape committed almost 20 years ago.

The victim bravely came forward in 2023 after learning Edwards was serving a prison sentence for another rape.

He protested his innocence but was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

On Monday, May 11, 2026, Edwards was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to eight years imprisonment, with an extended licence period of four years.

The 48-year-old was also made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a restraining order indefinitely.

The court heard the rape was committed in the woman’s house while Edwards was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

It was not reported to police at the time.

In a Victim Personal Statement, the victim described the profound impact of the incident on her life:

“I've felt an immense amount of guilt for not reporting the incident to police earlier than I did.
“When I found out about other matters he been responsible for I couldn't help but think perhaps I could have helped the other women by going to police earlier.
“I'm not sure I'll ever get over what he did to me. I just hope now to be able to move on with my life safe in the knowledge that at least for some time he won't be able to attack any other woman.”

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Nick Young, from South Wales Police, said:

“The victim has shown immense bravery to speak out when she did.
“I hope that the outcome at court brings her some comfort that Edwards has been brought to justice and that her bravery has helped protect other women from harm.
“The passage of time is no barrier for investigating crimes like this and we encourage victims to come forward.”

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.