A MAN from Gwynedd who raped a woman in Conwy county has been jailed.
Sion Griffiths, 36, of Mountain Lane, was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday (May 5).
He had pleaded not guilty to rape, but was convicted of the offence following a trial.
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The court heard that a woman was initially asleep when the offence took place in August 2021.
She tried to push Griffiths away when she woke and realised what was happening, and he then quickly fled the scene.
The survivor of Griffiths’ abuse said she has suffered panic attacks, and has felt “scared and uncomfortable around men”.
Reading aloud a statement in court, she said: “My life is now happy and successful, but this is due to my resilience and positive outlook, and doing things in spite of what happened.
“The worst thing for me has been the feeling of responsibility and guilt.
“It’s taken a lot of counselling and conversations with friends and family to accept I’m not the one who should carry the burden of guilt and responsibility.”
Representing Griffiths, Duncan Bould said he had a lack of previous convictions, and has “shown no criminal traits” in the four years and nine months since this offence.
Mr Bould said Griffiths has previously shown himself to be a “positive influence on those around him,” and a “caring member of his family and the community”.
Griffiths was also said to have “strong support networks around him”.
“This is a person who, in all probability, will never darken the door of the court again,” Mr Bould added.
Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts said the survivor was “horrified,” and “particularly vulnerable” at the time of the rape.
He told Griffiths: “What you did that night has had a severe impact on her life.
“But I’m pleased to hear this morning that she now regards her life as happy and successful because of her resilience, rather than any thanks to you.
“None of this was her fault. The only person who is guilty in any of this is you.”
Griffiths will serve two-thirds of his seven-year sentence in custody before he is released on licence.
A lifelong restraining order was issued for the protection of the survivor of Griffiths’ abuse.
He will also adhere to sex offenders register notification requirements for life.
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