Sarah Vigus

Sarah Vigus, also known as Sarah Parkinson, was convicted at Cardiff Crown Court for her role in the rape of a 17-year-old girl. The incident occurred after the victim, who had been drinking vodka shots purchased by Vigus and her partner Robert Ellis-Evans at a pub, was invited back to their home in North Cornelly, Bridgend county. The victim passed out or fell asleep on a sofa, only to wake up being assaulted by the couple.

According to court proceedings reported by WalesOnline, Vigus was hovering over the victim with a forceful grip around her waist to hold her down, while Ellis-Evans lifted her legs and penetrated her vagina with his penis. The victim, realising she was being raped, began screaming and crying. Ellis-Evans withdrew upon hearing her, and Vigus attempted to calm the distressed girl by falsely claiming she had consented. The victim later reported the attack to her parents, leading to the arrest of both defendants the following morning.

Vigus admitted to penetrating the victim's vagina with her fingers but insisted it was consensual. Court evidence included messages exchanged between Vigus and Ellis-Evans, in which she professed a sexual interest in the victim. A jury found Vigus, 38, and Ellis-Evans, 39, guilty of rape in early April 2025. Vigus was additionally convicted of assault by penetration. Both had no previous convictions.

During the sentencing hearing this month, Judge Lucy Crowther described the attack as a violation of the victim 'in an intimate way, both emotionally and physically,' noting the victim's particular vulnerability. In a victim impact statement, the girl detailed the profound trauma: 'I tried my hardest to move on with my life but it will always stick with me... I feel dirty and no matter how many times I bath or shower or scrub myself I just don't feel clean. I've fallen out of love with my body and who I am.' Vigus' barrister, Martha Smith-Higgins, highlighted her client's two children and recent efforts to address her alcohol issues while in custody, where she had lost five stone in weight and was assessed as posing a low risk of re-offending.

The couple, residing at Heol Degwm in North Cornelly, were each sentenced to eight years and three months in jail. They must serve two-thirds of their terms before release on licence and are subject to lifelong sex offender notification requirements and an indefinite restraining order. South Wales Police confirmed the convictions, and the case has raised concerns about employment vetting, as Vigus continued working at YMCA Porthcawl's after-school club until her remand in custody, despite a DBS check in May 2023 revealing details of her arrest and the alleged offences.