A man who subjected a vulnerable woman to repeated acts of sexual violence has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court. Talvinder Atwal, 24, of Neath Road, Briton Ferry, raped and sexually abused his victim, with the offending accompanied by acts such as strangulation, spitting and the use of degrading and abusive language.
Judge rules offender dangerous
Judge Catherine Richards said the defendant took pleasure in seeing his victim in a distressed state and ruled that he should be classified as a dangerous offender and given an extended sentence. The offences took place in 2025 in Neath Port Talbot.
In a statement read to the court by prosecution barrister Nic Gedge, the victim said the abuse had impacted every aspect of her life. She said she now leads an isolated life and feels unable to leave the house to do simple things such as going to the local shops.
Victim describes lasting impact
The woman said she has been left struggling to function day-to-day and suffering with nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder. She said the abuse had changed her completely, adding: "I don't think I will ever be the person I was."
Atwal had previously been convicted at trial of seven offences including rape, sexual assault and strangulation when he returned to the dock for sentencing. David Singh, for Atwal, said the defendant's difficult background may provide an explanation for his client's behaviour though did not in any way excuse it, and described Atwal as a young and immature man.
Extended sentence imposed
The judge noted Atwal had entrenched beliefs not linked to immaturity and said she was sure there was a significant risk of him committing further specified offences in the future. Atwal was made subject to a 17-year extended sentence comprising 14 years in custody followed by a three-year licence period.
He must serve two thirds of the custodial element of the sentence before he can apply for release, with the Parole Board to determine if he is safe to be let out. The defendant will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.
