RHYS WARREN FROM ABERTILLERY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SIX BELLS

Rhys Warren, a resident of Lancaster Street in Six Bells, was found guilty in a recent court hearing of a disturbing sexual assault that took place in the Abertillery area. The incident involved Warren forcibly leading a schoolgirl to her knees on a footpath before subjecting her to oral sexual assault. The court proceedings revealed harrowing details of the attack, which occurred after a chance encounter between Warren and the young girl.

According to court reports, Warren initially attempted to kiss the girl and then bit her on the lip, expressing a desire to engage in sexual activity. When the girl tried to escape from his grasp, Warren responded by kicking her legs out from under her, causing her to fall to her knees. While she was in this vulnerable position, Warren forcibly inserted his penis into her mouth, holding her head with his hands to maintain control. The victim later reported the assault to the police, providing a detailed account of the traumatic event. She was subsequently identified and arrested, although during police interrogation, she chose to answer 'no comment.'

The young girl’s statement painted a picture of ongoing emotional and psychological distress. She described her struggles with sleep, frequent nightmares, and her reliance on medication to cope with the trauma. She also expressed difficulty trusting others and an increased reluctance to go out in public, highlighting the profound and lasting impact of the assault on her life.

Warren’s criminal history included a prior conviction for rape, although he had no other previous convictions. During the court hearing, Warren claimed that he had no memory of the incident, attributing his amnesia to alcohol consumption. His defense team presented a character reference from his grandmother, who described his behavior on the day of the incident as 'out of character.' The reference also emphasized Warren’s feelings of shame and acknowledged the influence of alcohol on his actions, suggesting that his responsibility might be diminished due to intoxication.

In sentencing, the judge imposed a custodial term of four years and ten weeks in a young offenders' institution. The court also noted that Warren could serve up to half of this sentence in custody before being eligible for release on license. Both the victim and Warren’s family expressed their distress over the lengthy wait for justice, indicating the emotional toll the case has taken on all parties involved.