In 2023, the Offender Database reported that Joshua Harries, a Tonypandy Rapist Sex Offender, endeavoured to commit sexual assault against a young woman during a social gathering and subsequently endeavoured to discredit her by portraying her as dishonest. The attack inflicted such severe anguish on Joshua Harries’ victim that she scarcely ventured outside her residence for several weeks after that.
According to the Cardiff Crown Court, Joshua Harries deliberately chose to approach the woman who had consumed alcohol, although he was not under the influence of alcohol. The judge, Recorder Greg Bull KC, stated that the individual in question had profound fatigue and, in his assessment, succumbed to intoxication. He exploited her vulnerability, fully aware of her lack of power.”
At the age of 23, Joshua Harries brought the woman to a bedroom, undressed her completely, and committed sexual assault against her. The woman then recounted experiencing a sensation of “becoming immobilised”. According to the court, Harries believed that she was asleep when he tried to rape her, but she resisted and successfully prevented the rape.
Despite pleading not guilty, he was ultimately convicted by a jury of charges of sexual assault and attempted rape. At the sentencing hearing of the 25-year-old, prosecutor Ffion Thomas presented a distressing statement from the victim. The comment conveyed a sense of utter powerlessness. “He caused me to feel demeaned as if I were merely an inanimate entity.” He deprived me of my ability to communicate or defend myself. I held my own body responsible for becoming immobilised. Despite my explicit lack of consent, he persisted.
“Being required to disrobe in the presence of law enforcement officers to obtain swabs for evidentiary purposes, I experienced an increased sense of humiliation and degradation.” Following the incident, I experienced a prolonged period of depression. I found it challenging to move from my position on the sofa. I seldom ventured outside my residence unless accompanied by someone during daylight hours. I was apprehensive about being observed by anyone.
“I am currently extremely cautious of every individual I encounter, which intensifies my anxiety.” I have endeavoured to seek therapy. As a result of prolonged court delays and the inability to present evidence, my emotional well-being has been significantly affected owing to a lack of assistance. Had [Harries] initially confessed to his actions towards me, I would have been spared the distressing experience of recounting that night before an unfamiliar audience in a trial.
“Having an awareness of the limited number of sexual offences that result in legal proceedings and successful convictions, I am currently experiencing a feeling of alleviation.” My sole desire was for someone to hear me and attentively comprehend the wrongdoing he committed. I am now able to commence the process of healing.
Joshua Harries, residing on Berw Road in Tonypandy, had a previous conviction for drunk driving that occurred last year. Beth Evans, speaking in defence, stated that the offence occurred as a result of his difficulty in coping with the “pressure” stemming from the accusations of attempted rape and sexual assault.
According to Ms Evans, her client has expressed remorse for the sexual offences following the trial. However, the judge countered by highlighting that Harries had deceived the jury by asserting his innocence.
The defence attorney said, “He has now been forthright.” He has not attempted to downplay his activities to the probation service. It is uncommon to witness such candour after a conviction resulting from a trial. He acknowledges that his acts were self-centred by undergoing a trial.
According to her, Joshua Harries’ character had a distinct and contrasting aspect, and he continued to receive support from his mother, partner, and partner’s parents. According to her testimony, he has consistently been employed.
Recorder Bull informed Joshua Harries that his insincere display of emotions to the probation officer had little impact on him. The victim may have avoided the distress of waiting for the case to go to court. You enlisted the services of a King’s Counsel to conduct a cross-examination of the complainant. It is within your entitlement to hold that perspective, and I do not harbour any resentment towards you for it. However, it demonstrates your willingness to discredit the victim by labelling them as dishonest. You have not succeeded.
The judge sentenced Harries to a five-year imprisonment term and imposed a restraining order that will be in effect for ten years. He will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
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