A woman in Wales suffered in fear of a man who subjected her to a horrific ordeal of rape, assault, and violence. Simon Morgan, the perpetrator, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his crimes after a trial at Swansea Crown Court. The court heard that Morgan not only raped the woman but also dragged her to the floor, assaulted her, and threatened to kill her while wielding a bottle of rum. The victim shared in a personal statement the profound impact the attack had on her mental well-being.
Morgan’s violent tendencies extended beyond this particular incident. He was also found guilty of a brutal attack on a man in Neath, leaving the victim with severe facial injuries that required reconstructive surgery. Additionally, Morgan carried out two assaults on a woman, one of which occurred in a public setting on Llangennith beach in front of onlookers, including a visiting family. Throughout the trial, Morgan denied all allegations against him, maintaining his innocence despite the overwhelming evidence presented in court.
During the sentencing, Morgan’s barrister shared that his client had turned to Buddhism while in prison, practicing transcendental meditation as a way to cope with his emotions. Despite this newfound faith, Morgan was convicted of rape, inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and engaging in coercive behaviour. The court also considered Morgan’s prior convictions for offenses such as assault by beating, criminal damage, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The 40-year-old offender, Simon Benjamin Morgan, was described as a kitchen fitter and bespoke carpenter by profession. His barrister highlighted a letter detailing Morgan’s embrace of Buddhism and how it had helped him become calmer according to his son. In sentencing Morgan to 14 years in prison, the court mandated that he serve two-thirds of the term in custody before being released on licence to complete the remainder in the community.
Detective inspector Sharon Gill-Lewis remarked on the gravity of Morgan’s actions, describing his behavior as a “campaign of violence and terror.” She acknowledged the long-lasting impact on the victim and expressed hope that Morgan’s incarceration would bring some comfort to her as she tries to recover from the traumatic experience. Considerable praise was given to detective constable Emma Robbins for her dedicated work on the investigation, ultimately helping to achieve justice for the victim.
For individuals affected by abuse, various support services are available. These include helplines offering confidential support and information for those experiencing sexual violence, domestic abuse, or violence against women. It is vital for victims to know that help is accessible in both Welsh and English, with support available 24 hours a day. If facing abuse or violence, individuals can reach out to organisations like Live Fear Free helpline, Bawso, and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust National Stalking Helpline for assistance.
In summary, the harrowing ordeal endured by the woman at the hands of Simon Morgan serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of violence and abuse. The judicial system’s response, culminating in Morgan’s conviction and sentencing, underscores the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The support services available to victims play a crucial role in providing assistance, guidance, and solace to those in distress. It is essential to continue fostering a culture of safety, support, and empowerment for survivors of abuse within society.