Locations
Heol Degwm, North Cornelly, Bridgend, CF33
Description
A woman secured a job at a youth club while under investigation for raping a 17-year-old girl. Sarah Vigus, aka Sarah Parkinson, continued working at YMCA Porthcawl's after-school club until she was remanded in custody after being convicted of rape and assault by penetration, WalesOnline can reveal.
When asked how this occurred, a YMCA spokesman said: "We have not been contacted by the police at any point, either before or following Sarah’s arrest, and were shocked to learn of the events that had taken place." However, South Wales Police contradicted this.
A police spokesman stated the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked Vigus in May 2023 when she applied to the YMCA, and the certificate "contained comprehensive details about her arrest and the nature and extent of the alleged offences" from 2022.
In April 2024, a jury convicted Vigus, 38, and her partner Robert Ellis-Evans, 39, of rape. Vigus was also guilty of assault by penetration. This month, both from Heol Degwm in North Cornelly, Bridgend county, received eight years and three months in prison.
WalesOnline sought YMCA's response to the police statement. Meanwhile, parents of children at the John Street club were horrified.
One mum said:
"This woman worked with YMCA Porthcawl after-school club while she was under investigation – picking my child up and other young children from primary school right up until the court date. I feel absolutely sickened this was allowed to happen. I would have never ever let my daughter near her if I knew this."
Another mother posted on social media: "Sarah looked after my son from the age of three upwards. It sends a shiver down my spine."
What did the YMCA know?
The spokesman claimed the charity had "no knowledge of the investigation or the charges" until Vigus missed work and a family member informed them of her conviction and remand.
"Like any employee of YMCA Porthcawl Sarah had undergone complete DBS and safeguarding checks," he said, adding she was "immediately dismissed." "Had we been aware of the investigation she would have been suspended from the outset. Prior to [her remand] we were completely unaware of any case against Sarah or even the fact that she would be attending court."
Police clarified:
"We understand that Sarah Vigus submitted a DBS application, via an umbrella organisation, to work for the YMCA which was processed and returned by DBS in May 2023. The certificate issued contained comprehensive details about her arrest and the nature and extent of the alleged offences. We are unable to comment as to the YMCA’s actions in recruiting Sarah into the role after this DBS check."
A disturbing crime
At Cardiff Crown Court, the victim described passing out after vodka shots bought by the defendants at a pub. Invited to their home, she awoke on a sofa to Vigus holding her down by the waist while Ellis-Evans penetrated her vagina with his penis.
Realizing the rape, she screamed and cried. Ellis-Evans withdrew; Vigus claimed consent, which the victim denied. She reported it to her parents, leading to arrests. Both denied rape; Vigus admitted digital penetration but claimed consent.
Vigus, with no prior convictions, had messaged Ellis-Evans about her sexual interest in the victim.
In her statement, the victim said:
"I tried my hardest to move on with my life but it will always stick with me... Some days I can't leave my bed or eat, I can't look after myself. I feel dirty and no matter how many times I bath or shower or scrub myself I just don't feel clean.
"I feel uncomfortable in my clothes. I've fallen out of love with my body and who I am. I thought of self-harm and suicide. I felt powerless and out of control.
"I blame myself for what happened and think of what I could have done differently... When I had to go into court and tell the jury I had been the victim of a sexual offence I felt anxious, nervous, and angry after realising I had been the victim of a sexual offence and had to tell strangers what happened to me and had difficulty reliving that incident."
Vigus' barrister, Martha Smith-Higgins, noted her client has two children, stopped drinking in custody, lost five stone, and poses a "low risk of re-offending."
Judge Lucy Crowther said:
"You both violated her in an intimate way, both emotionally and physically... She was a particularly vulnerable woman."
They must serve two-thirds before licence release, with lifelong sex offender registration and indefinite restraining orders.
The YMCA spokesman added:
"We are deeply disturbed by the serious crime for which Sarah Vigus has now been convicted. First and foremost our thoughts are with the victim and her family who have shown immense courage through an unimaginably distressing experience.
"We want to reassure parents and the wider community that the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care is always our highest priority."
The DBS helps employers with safe recruitment using police data. WalesOnline contacted YMCA and DBS for more details.