Victim tells court of ordeal as rapist jailed nine years
ARAPE victim has described the ordeal her traumatic experiences have had on her life as the man who committed the vile acts was jailed.
Islwyn Gary Watkins, an HGV driver, embarked on a “campaign of rape”, Cardiff Crown Court was told.
A statement was read out to the court on behalf of the victim during proceedings, which heard: “The last three years have felt like a lifetime while I have waited for the outcome of the judicial process and the trial to begin.
“I don’t recognise the person who appears in my statement as I see a woman who is clearly distressed, and emotionally and mentally spent, but somehow found the courage and the words to provide evidence in order to press charges.
“I will have to live for the rest of my life with the fact I was raped.”
The victim’s statement added: “Only now, after three years and the conclusion of the trial, am I able to get the emotional, professional help and support I need for what has happened to me.
“I have spent the last three years on anti-depressants, something I’ve never done before, in an attempt to try and get through the whole process.”
Watkins, 46, of Chestnut Avenue, St Athan, Barry, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing having been convicted by a jury of two counts of rape following a trial.
Mitigating, Lucy Crowther said delays were caused through an “extraordinarily long investigation”, together with delays in the court system and the coronavirus pandemic, which she said had an impact on Watkins.
“He knows, of course, he is going to receive a substantial custodial sentence,” she said. “He is determined to maintain his strong work ethic. He is a qualified HGV driver and has worked hard. He intends to continue to do that.
“He is concerned the longer he stays in prison the harder it will be to make sure his skills are fresh.
“He is also determined to take whatever opportunities there are for him to improve his quality of education so that when he is released he will be able to take up work again promptly. This is his first time in prison and it is no doubt going to be hard on him.”
Recorder Greg Bull QC told the defendant: “You’re a man of good character but despite that embarked on a campaign of rape.”
He sentenced Watkins to nine years in prison.
After the sentencing, South Wales Police detective sergeant Andrew Boffy, the officer in the case, said: “Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for South Wales Police and this case demonstrates our commitment.”
“We take all reports of sexual assault seriously and urge victims to come forward to report it, regardless of when it happened, safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with respect and dignity and that their allegation will be fully investigated.”