Swansea Man Jailed for Raping Intoxicated Woman and Recording Attack

A Swansea man has been jailed for seven years after being convicted of raping an intoxicated woman and sexually assaulting her during an incident in October 2024.

Caeran Evans, 27, of Penlan, Swansea, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after a jury convicted him of rape. He had previously pleaded guilty to a separate sexual assault involving the same woman.

The court heard that video recordings were made during the incident and were later shared through messaging applications.

Police said Evans had taken advantage of the woman while she was intoxicated.

Incident followed a night out

The court heard that Evans, the woman and several other people had met during a night out before travelling together to a property in Swansea.

The woman was heavily intoxicated and was unaware that she had been sexually assaulted until the following morning.

She later became aware of recordings connected with the incident.

The court heard that derogatory messages had been written on her body and that the recordings showed further degrading treatment.

It was not established who had written the messages.

The recordings were subsequently shared through messaging applications, adding a further layer of distress for the victim.

Evans denied rape

The matter was reported to police and Evans denied raping the woman, maintaining that the sexual activity had been consensual.

His defence told the court that both Evans and the complainant had been intoxicated on the night.

However, Judge Catherine Richards said the jury had rejected Evans's account and convicted him of rape.

The judge acknowledged that both people had consumed alcohol but said their levels of intoxication were different.

She also highlighted the significant difference between the circumstances of the two people, including the fact that Evans was carrying out acts that caused the woman harm.

Defendant expresses regret

The court heard that Evans had struggled with drug use following the breakdown of a relationship and the loss of contact with his son.

In a letter to the court, he said he had allowed himself to become involved in a lifestyle that led to poor decisions.

He expressed remorse and said:

"This is not the person I want to be."

His barrister, David Leathley, told the court that Evans had been deeply affected by his conviction and wanted to return to working as a bricklayer for his father's business.

Police praise victim's bravery

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Meirian Evans of South Wales Police said the defendant had taken advantage of the victim in what she described as a calculated manner.

She also criticised the fact that the incident had been recorded.

Police praised the woman for coming forward and supporting the investigation.

Detective Inspector Evans said the victim had shown considerable bravery in reporting what had happened.

Seven-year sentence

Evans was sentenced to seven years in prison.

He will remain on the sex offenders' register for life.

The court also imposed a 15-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim or posting anything about her on social media.

The order also covers circumstances where Evans might encourage others to make comments about the victim online.

The impact beyond the courtroom

The case highlights the serious consequences of sexual violence against people who are intoxicated and unable to protect themselves.

It also demonstrates the additional harm that can arise when recordings of an assault or degrading treatment are made and shared with others.

For the victim, the effects of what happened are likely to extend well beyond the conclusion of the criminal case.

South Wales Police said her decision to report the incident and continue through the investigation demonstrated considerable courage.

Evans will now serve a seven-year prison sentence, while the victim continues to live with the consequences of the abuse.