Cwmbran Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Rape Offences

A Cwmbran man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted of multiple rape charges.

Gareth Colsey, 38, from Clos Meithrin, Two Locks, Cwmbran, was found guilty of three counts of rape against a woman following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

Prosecutor Nik Strobl read a victim impact statement to the court which revealed the significant trauma suffered by the victim. The statement highlighted that she “now suffered with anxiety and panic attacks and had emotional trauma.”

In mitigation, Keith Edwards told the court that his client “clearly struggles with his emotions.” The court also heard about Colsey’s previous convictions, which included shoplifting and criminal damage.

During sentencing, Judge Richard Kember noted that the victim’s confidence had been completely “shattered” by Colsey’s actions. The judge acknowledged Colsey’s “difficult and deprived” childhood and his diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder at age 14 due to childhood trauma.

Judge Kember addressed the defendant directly, stating: “The jury were sure she was telling the truth and rejected your evidence on all counts.” He then sentenced Colsey to 11 years imprisonment.