A harrowing incident unfolded in Townhill, Swansea, as a carjacker targeted a lone woman outside a chip shop. The perpetrator, Rhys Williams, was said to have had “evil eyes” as he forcefully removed the woman from her vehicle and drove off. The victim, who was waiting for a friend near the Roma chip shop, was left traumatized by the attack, leaving her fearful of venturing out alone and uneasy even in her own car. The distressing sequence of events took place on October 27 last year, as recounted in Swansea Crown Court.
Prosecutor Georgia Donohue detailed how Williams approached the woman’s car, engaged her in conversation before abruptly entering the vehicle beside her. The woman later described his gaze as chilling, with what she referred to as “evil eyes.” Williams proceeded to physically remove the driver from the car and take off in the stolen vehicle. Following the theft, the victim sought help and notified the authorities. Remarkably, she managed to track her car, which had been abandoned after a collision on Pantycelyn Road. Sometime later, Williams was apprehended in Townhill by a vigilant police officer.
During the court proceedings, Williams, residing on Townhill Road, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including robbery, driving offenses, and failing to cooperate with a specimen test. His defense attorney, Andrew Evans, shed light on the defendant’s troubled past and the mental health challenges he was grappling with at the time of the crime. Williams admitted to feeling paranoid and attributing his actions to substance use on the day of the robbery.
Judge Huw Rees acknowledged the terror the victim must have endured during the carjacking, deeming it a distressing ordeal. He took into account Williams’ guilty pleas and his mental health struggles, ultimately sentencing him to 40 months in prison, with a provision for potential early release on parole. Additionally, a restraining order was imposed, prohibiting any contact between Williams and the victim for seven years.
The victim’s impact statement revealed the profound impact of the incident on her sense of security and well-being. She expressed profound unease in her own vehicle and reluctance to venture out unaccompanied. Williams’ history of prior convictions for violent offenses further underscored the gravity of the situation. The court’s decision to hand down a custodial sentence aimed to both penalize the offender and protect the community from future harm.
In the aftermath of the ordeal, the victim’s courage in seeking assistance and aiding in the apprehension of the perpetrator stands as a testament to her resilience. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the swift action taken to detain Williams highlight the importance of community vigilance in upholding public safety. The case serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of violent crimes on individuals and communities, underscoring the need for robust legal measures and support for victims of such traumas.