A man and a woman from North Cornelly sentenced to a total of 16 years and 6 months for rape.
On Sunday September 4, 2022, South Wales Police received a report that a 17-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by Sean Ellis-Evans and Sarah Vigus. The call was made by the victim’s mother, who was speaking on her behalf.
Officers responded to the call and took a statement from the victim who explained that she had been out celebrating with Vigus, and Vigus’s partner Ellis-Evans at a local pub. After their time at the pub, Vigus and Ellis-Evans invited her to their home on Heol Degwm, which she accepted. Upon arriving, she recalled little except for falling asleep on the downstairs sofa. When she woke up, she noticed Vigus hovering over her and became aware that Ellis-Evans was assaulting her. She also recalled feeling Vigus’s hands on her body and watching Ellis- Evan’s actions.
The victim became distressed and attempted to leave, but Vigus tried to prevent her. After gathering her belongings, the victim left the house and began walking down the street, followed by Ellis-Evans who then took her home. Once home, she disclosed the traumatic events to her parents.
As part of her victim personal statement, she said:” My life and mental health changed drastically on 4th September 2022. After 2 and a half years waiting for the trial, the verdict on 4th April 2025 left me feeling the opposite of relieved. Since Sarah Vigus and Sean Ellis-Evans were found guilty of rape, I’ve lived in survival mode, constantly second-guessing myself. I’ve developed an unhealthy relationship with intimacy, affecting my partners. I feel guilty for burdening my parents. I wear a mask, hiding my true feelings. I struggle with sleep, reliving that night, and I feel disgusted with my body. I dropped out of college but returned to focus on my teaching degree, hoping to rebuild my life and make my parents proud.”
During the investigation, analysis of mobile phone data revealed that the couple had expressed fantasies about engaging in sexual acts with the 17-year-old victim and on the night, of September 4, they bought several alcoholic drinks for her before inviting her back to their home.
At the conclusion of the trial, the jury reached a unanimous verdict, finding both defendants guilty. Given the gravity of the offence, they were both remanded into custody.
Sean Ellis-Evans and Sarah Vigus both from Heol Degwm, North Cornelly, have today, Monday September 22, been sentenced to a total of 16 years and 6 months at Cardiff Crown Court
- Sean Ellis-Evans, 39 years old, was sentence to 8 years and 3 months for rape.
- Sarah Marie Vigus, 38 years old, was sentenced to 8 years and 3 months for sexual assault by penetration and rape .
DC 5816 Jessica Pritchard – the OIC has commended the victim and said: “The victim has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience throughout this investigation and during her time in court, where she provided compelling evidence to the jury. It’s important to recognise how challenging it can be for victims of sexual offences to engage with police investigations; the process is often traumatic, court dates can stretch on for months, and discussing such deeply personal experiences is never easy.
“Evidence clearly indicated that the defendants had shown a sexual interest in the 17-year-old victim long before the assault occurred. The victim’s powerful personal statement delivered during sentencing highlighted her courage and determination. I hope this brings her some sense of peace as she begins to rebuild her life following the judge’s decision regarding both defendants.”
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 Support after rape and sexual assault | South Wales Police
