A vulnerable woman was subjected to verbal abuse, physical assault, and robbery by two intoxicated women in Neath town centre, as reported in court. The incident, which took place on a Sunday evening, raised concerns about the safety of individuals passing by the scene. Sarah Morgan and Gemma Powell were part of a group of inebriated women outside a liquor store when they targeted the victim. Morgan had already received a 16-week jail term for assault, while Powell faced charges of robbery at Swansea Crown Court. The presiding judge expressed astonishment at the leniency of Morgan’s sentence and the disturbing nature of the events.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that on the evening of October 27 last year, the victim, a woman in her 40s with mild learning difficulties, purchased a can of lager at Booze Express in Neath. Outside the store, she encountered a group of boisterous and intoxicated women. Despite not being acquainted with them, the victim recognised the women from around town. Following the purchase, Morgan verbally abused and physically assaulted the victim, causing a significant facial wound. Subsequently, Powell joined in, forcibly taking the victim’s bag during a struggle and absconding with her phone.
The victim sought help from her sister, who contacted the authorities leading to Powell’s arrest near a local pub. Following a series of troubling actions, Powell displayed hostility towards the arresting officers and refused to cooperate during questioning. In contrast, the victim received medical treatment for her head wound at Moriston Hospital. Despite the traumatic ordeal, the victim opted not to provide an impact statement to the court, underscoring the emotional toll of the incident.
Gemma Powell, 31, residing in Church Place, Neath, pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Her criminal history includes numerous convictions for offences like battery and theft, reflecting a pattern of unlawful behaviour. Powell’s defence highlighted her struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues, suggesting a need for comprehensive support and intervention. In contrast, Sarah Morgan, 39, of Golwg y Dre, Neath, faced a lesser charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was previously sentenced to 16 weeks in prison by magistrates.
Addressing the severity of the crimes, Judge Geraint Walters remarked on the victim’s vulnerability and condemned the callous actions of the perpetrators. The judge expressed bewilderment at the disparity in sentencing between the two offenders and questioned the adequacy of the legal response to such egregious behaviour. The disturbing incident in broad daylight in a busy town centre underlines the need for vigilance and community support to protect individuals from opportunistic crimes. The sentencing serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of alcohol-fuelled violence and exploitation within society.
The court’s decision to impose custodial sentences on the offenders reflects the gravity of their actions and the need to uphold justice for the victim. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this disturbing event, there is a collective call for increased awareness and vigilance to prevent similar occurrences. The resilient stance of the victim in seeking justice despite the trauma inflicted upon her serves as a testament to the strength and determination of survivors. Moving forward, it is essential to address the underlying issues contributing to such criminal behaviour and implement measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals in public spaces.