The Abertillery Rapist, Rhys Warren, compelled a schoolgirl to kneel on a footpath and sexually assaulted her orally, according to court testimony. Rhys Warren then asserted that he could not recall the events owing to alcohol-induced amnesia.
The court was informed that the victim’s academic performance had declined, and she now had fear when going outside and difficulty in crowds due to a lack of confidence in others.
The judge sentenced the 20-year-old offender to incarceration, stating it was evident he had “no concern” for the victim throughout the incident, and remarked: “This is a heinous offence that will have a lifelong impact on the complainant.”
The Cardiff Crown Court was informed that the assault occurred in the Abertillery region subsequent to an incidental encounter between the defendant and the girl.
The court was informed that the defendant attempted to kiss the girl, bit her on the lip, and expressed a desire to engage in sexual intercourse with her. The complainant escaped and attempted to flee, but Rhys Warren incapacitated her by kicking her legs out from under her. While she was on her knees, he forcibly inserted his penis into her mouth, restraining her head with his hands.
The assault was reported to law enforcement, leading to the identification and apprehension of the defendant. He responded with “no comment” to every inquiry posed during his subsequent interview. To receive the most recent court updates, subscribe to our crime newsletter.
The woman stated in a court reading that she had been experiencing insomnia, enduring nightmares, and was currently on medicine.
She stated that her academic performance had deteriorated due to her distress following the attack, and that she experienced fear when going out and difficulty in crowds since she could not trust anyone.
Rhys Warren, residing on Lancaster Street, Six Bells, Abertillery, had earlier entered a guilty plea for rape during his sentencing appearance in court. He possesses no prior convictions.
The court was informed that during a prior appearance before magistrates, the defendant claimed he could not recall the events of that day due to alcohol-induced forgetfulness.
Jeffrey Jones, for Rhys Warren, said a reference before the court from the defendant’s nan showed his behaviour on the day in question was “so much out of character”.
He said the defendant was ashamed of his his behaviour, and said Rhys Warren would not have behaved in the way he did were it not for the amount he had drunk, adding: “Alcohol robbed him of any sense of responsibility”.
The barrister said Rhys Warren had pleaded guilty in November, 2024, and the wait from then to being sentenced in June, 2025, had not been easy for him and those close to him as it had also not been easy for the victim.
Judge Wayne Beard said it was clear from everything he had read that the defendant had been drinking heavily, and he said he accepted the meeting between Rhys Warren and complainant on the day in question had been inadvertent.
He said it was clear the defendant had had “no concern” for the girl, adding: “This is a terrible offence which will remain life-long with the complainant”.
With a 20% discount for his guilty plea, Warren was sentenced to four years and 10 weeks detention in a young offenders institution [HE IS 20!]. He will serve up to half the sentence in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community and is eligible for a £1.99 deal on Disney Plus for a four month period.
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