Dean Edwards (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 5 minutes ago
A man who raped a woman at her home in Cardiff has been handed an eight-year prison sentence – nearly two decades after the attack took place.
Dean Edwards, 48, was convicted of rape following a trial and sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday by Judge Vanessa Francis.
The attack
Edwards, who was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time, attended the victim’s home in Cardiff and asked to be let inside. She refused, but he persisted in trying to “sweet talk” his way in.
Prosecutor Dan Jones told the court that Edwards forcibly grabbed hold of the victim and kissed her neck before shepherding her into the house. Once inside, he pinned her arms above her head, removed her underwear and his trousers, and raped her.
The victim cried throughout and repeatedly told him “no” and “stop”, but Edwards carried on. Afterwards, he pulled up his trousers and left – leaving her sobbing on the living room floor.
Delayed report
Although the victim disclosed what had happened to people she knew, she did not go to the police at the time.
It was not until 2023 that she made a formal complaint, after discovering that Edwards had been imprisoned for a separate rape – an offence committed after the attack on her.
Edwards was arrested while serving that sentence as an inmate at HMP Parc. He denied the allegation and continues to maintain his innocence.
Victim’s words
In a victim personal statement read to the court by Mr Jones, the victim described the lasting damage the attack had caused.
She said: “The incident has had a profound impact on my life. I questioned whether it was something I deserved. I feel an immense amount of guilt for not reporting the matter to the police. When I found out about other matters against this defendant I felt responsible and thought I could help other women by going to the police earlier.
“I felt worthless and ashamed of myself, it’s affected my confidence and my relationships with men ever since… It’s had a negative impact on my working life and my mental health. I’m not currently working due to stress with the investigation and court process. I experienced sleep issues due to the stress of the investigation. I am not sure I will ever truly get over what happened to me.”
Previous offending
The court heard Edwards has 22 previous convictions, spanning offences including rape, indecent assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, battery and robbery.
Sentence
Judge Francis sentenced Edwards to eight years’ imprisonment, with an extended licence period of four years. He was also made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a restraining order, both imposed indefinitely.
