West Wales man jailed for rape after victim’s screams heard

A West Wales man has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for raping a woman, an attack that only stopped when others heard her cries for help. Charlie Evans, a 22-year-old former Exeter University student, ignored his victim’s repeated pleas to stop during the 45-minute ordeal.

The incident occurred after Evans and his victim attended a party where both had been drinking. The court heard that after kissing, the pair left the party together, with the woman under the impression that Evans lived in a flat with her friend.

When the woman returned to the apartment, she used the toilet before Evans raped her, despite her repeated words of no. The prosecutor described the victim as crying hysterically, adding: “She didn’t want anything like this to happen.”

During the attack, one student testified he heard the victim disagreeing and begging Evans to stop. Another person said she was so worried she asked what was going on.

Police were alerted after the incident was reported to campus staff, who then contacted emergency services. Evans was asked to leave his residence and was subsequently expelled from the university. When questioned by police, he denied the offence.

Evans, of Victoria Avenue in Mumbles, Swansea, was convicted of rape and sexual assault at Exeter Crown Court earlier this year. Sentencing was handed down on July 12. In a victim impact statement, the woman said her life had been changed forever by Evans’ actions. She expressed feelings of fear, confusion and shame during the incident and continues to suffer nightmares. She now distrusts men and has sought support to deal with her trauma, the court heard.

Defence counsel Christopher Quinlan KC gave several good character references for Evans, describing him as a “kind and respectful” young man who had “always been positive, compassionate and considerate”. He argued that his client’s life had been left “in ruins” by his actions.

However, Judge Stephen Climie told Evans he had “completely misrepresented” his victim’s position, adding: “She was so far from wanting to participate in your sexual activities that the only explanation for your attitude and actions was alcohol which blinded you to what was quite clearly and distinctly the word ‘no’.” He continued: “As far as your life is concerned, the sentence I have to impose will devastate you.”

Following the verdict, DC Michele Hicks, of Devon and Cornwall Police’s Serious Crime Investigation Team, praised the victim for her courage and resilience throughout the investigation. She said: “I hope this case makes the public aware of how seriously the police take reports of sexual violence against women and girls and gives people the courage to come forward in the future.”