Tristan Williams, 22, was convicted of raping an unresponsive woman while armed with a machete and filming the assault. The victim only became aware of the attack after discovering the recording. Williams denied wrongdoing, claiming the sex was consensual, but a jury at Swansea Crown Court found him guilty of two counts of rape, voyeurism, and battery.
Prosecution Details
Prosecutor Hannah George stated that the victim could not explain how she became unresponsive, but the prosecution could not determine the cause. In a victim impact statement read in court, the woman described suffering nightmares, sleep difficulties, and constant fear, feeling like a "prisoner in her own home." She said she has "lost everything" due to the recording.
Defense and Sentencing
Defense lawyer Stephen Thomas noted Williams was 21 at the time, with limited emotional maturity, but has since matured. Recorder Mark Powell KC highlighted that Williams recorded the rape for his own pleasure and carried a large machete, which he claimed made him "look cool." The recorder found Williams dangerous, citing lack of remorse and continued denial.
Williams was sentenced to 13 years: 10 years in custody plus a three-year license period. He must serve two-thirds before parole consideration and will be a registered sex offender for life. He had prior convictions for drug and driving offenses and was under a community order at the time.
