A rugby player has been sentenced for breaking a woman’s jaw after she slapped him for repeatedly sexually assaulting her in a bar in Swansea. Haydn Manorek had been touching the woman inappropriately at Coyote Ugly bar before she confronted him and slapped him, leading to a violent reaction from the defendant. The victim required emergency surgery with metal plates in her jaw and was left unable to eat solid food as a result of the assault. She expressed in court that the attack had completely changed her life, causing her to lose trust in men and feel fearful for her safety in social situations.
The incident occurred in January, where the woman was out with friends when she was repeatedly touched on the bottom by Manorek. After the third inappropriate touch, she pushed him away and slapped him in response. However, the defendant escalated the situation by punching her in the face, causing her to fall to the ground. Despite the victim’s injuries and distress, Manorek showed no concern and left the bar after being escorted out. He was later identified through CCTV footage and arrested for the assault.
In court, the victim shared the emotional impact of the attack, stating that it had left her living in constant pain, unable to sleep, and on a liquid diet due to her injuries. She expressed feeling petrified of standing up for herself in the future, fearing further violence if she were to be assaulted again. The prosecution highlighted the severity of Manorek’s actions, describing him as a “drunken, creepy, cowardly slob” and a “violent clown” for his unprovoked violence towards the woman.
Despite pleading guilty to sexual assault and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), Manorek received a suspended sentence of 12 months, along with other requirements such as alcohol abstinence monitoring and unpaid work. The judge condemned his behaviour as disgraceful and emphasised the lasting impact of his actions on the victim. Manorek was also ordered to pay £10,000 in compensation to the woman for the injuries he caused and was issued with a restraining order to prevent contact with her.
Support services for survivors of sexual abuse were highlighted following the case, with contact details provided for organizations offering help to those affected by similar incidents. The court’s decision to suspend Manorek’s sentence sparked debate, with the judge acknowledging the need for rehabilitation but also stressing the seriousness of the defendant’s actions. The victim’s bravery in coming forward and sharing her story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking justice and support in cases of assault and abuse.
It is crucial for society to stand against all forms of violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the lasting impact of assault on victims and the responsibility of the justice system to provide support and justice for those affected. Victims of abuse are encouraged to seek help from support services to navigate the healing process and receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives.