Man and woman from North Cornelly sentenced over rape of 17 year old
The jury reached a unanimous verdict
Last updated 22nd Sep 2025
A man and a woman have been jailed for the rape of a 17 year old in North Cornelly, following an attack a court heard had drastically changed their victim's life and mental health.
Police received a report on Sunday September 4, 2022, that a 17-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by Sean Ellis-Evans and Sarah Vigus.
The victim had been out celebrating with Vigus, and Vigus’s partner Ellis-Evans at a local pub and was later invited her to their home on Heol Degwm. She recalled little except for falling asleep on the downstairs sofa.
When she woke up, the victim noticed Vigus hovering over her and became aware that Ellis-Evans was assaulting her.
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. 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.”