A Bridgend man has been jailed after admitting the rape of a woman who repeatedly told him they were not going to have sex, a court heard.
Sentence and orders
At Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, Daffydd Piper, aged 21 and from Maes y Felin, Wildmill, was given a custodial sentence of three years and five months. He was also made the subject of a five-year restraining order and must sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
What the court heard
Prosecutors outlined how there had been kissing and some consensual contact between the pair, but that the woman repeatedly told Piper they were not going to have sex. The court was told that he lifted her onto his hips and, when she said she was getting off, he climbed on top of her and raping her as she protested.
“What are you doing? Just get off.”
Afterwards the victim reacted physically and later sent messages to Piper via Snapchat, making clear she had said no. In one message she wrote:
“I said no and stop, why did you carry on?”He apologised in reply, the court was told, saying he did not know why he had continued and that he should have stopped. The woman responded:
“I was raped, I want you to remember that. I want you to take responsibility for what you did.”
Police and court process
When arrested, Piper initially maintained the sexual activity had been consensual and suggested the woman was being malicious, before changing his plea. He pleaded not guilty at first but later entered a guilty plea to one count of rape at a hearing on 24 July. The prosecution said a substantial investigation gave the defendant no option but to plead guilty and spared the victim from giving evidence in open court.
Detective Constable Lucy Weaver highlighted the work undertaken by officers during the inquiry, which led to the admission of guilt.
Impact on the victim
The woman read a personal statement to the court describing the long-lasting effects of the attack. She said she now suffers from anxiety that prevents her leaving the house easily, has isolated herself from friends and is unable to sleep without being disturbed by nightmares.
“I wake up with nightmares of being raped. I never had dreams like this before.”
She told the court she had once been outgoing and that the assault had changed how she sees herself and believes others perceive her: she felt people looked at her as though she were a rape victim. She also said the defendant had been aware of her vulnerability and had taken advantage of it.
Defence and background
Defence counsel, Ms Kat Roxburgh, addressed the court during the sentencing hearing. The court record notes that Piper had no previous convictions.
- Defendant: Daffydd Piper, 21, of Maes y Felin, Wildmill, Bridgend
- Offence: Rape (one count; guilty plea entered 24 July)
- Sentence: 3 years 5 months custody; five-year restraining order; lifetime registration on sex offenders’ register
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Cardiff Crown Court |
| Victim impact | Anxiety, social isolation, nightmares |
| Police comment | Investigation led to guilty plea (DC Lucy Weaver) |
This case has resonated locally because it involved a young man from Bridgend and a crime that has profound effects on how victims feel about their everyday safety and social life. Survivors frequently describe loss of confidence and withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities; in this instance the court heard directly how the woman’s life has altered since the assault.
Police and prosecutors say thorough investigative work can both secure convictions and spare victims from the stress of testifying. For the community in Bridgend it is a reminder of the role that victims’ services, support networks and effective policing play after a sexual offence is reported.
Anyone affected by sexual violence can seek help from specialist organisations and local support services. South Wales Police continues to investigate and support victims as part of its safeguarding responsibilities.
