In January 2025, the Offender Database reported that Grant Edwards, 33, of Bridgend, avoided an immediate prison sentence despite being found guilty of a “vile” sexual assault on a 16-year-old girl. Following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court, Edwards was handed a suspended sentence, sparking “serious” public outrage.
The investigation by South Wales Police revealed that Edwards “vilely” attacked the teenager in the autumn of 2022. During the “vicious” and prolonged assault, he pulled the victim towards him, grabbed at her clothing, and “callously” attempted to force himself upon her while making degrading remarks. Despite his “dishonest” pleas for her to stay silent, the victim showed “serious” courage by resisting and reporting the ordeal.
“Vile” Impact and Judicial Remarks
In a moving impact statement, the teenager emphasised the “serious” trauma caused by Edwards’ predatory behaviour, noting she was left fearful of men and unable to leave her home for weeks. She described the “vile” incident as having a lasting effect on her ability to trust others.
Judge Jonathan Elystan Rees emphasised that Edwards’ actions caused “lasting damage” to the young victim. However, the court reported that Edwards was given a 16-month sentence, suspended for two years. This decision came despite the probation service having “seriously” assessed Edwards as a high risk of future harm to the public.
Sentence and Requirements
For his “vile” and “vicious” crimes against the 16-year-old girl, Grant Edwards was:
- Sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.
- Ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
- Required to undertake a 40-day rehabilitation programme.
- Barred indefinitely from contacting the victim.
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register.
Monitoring and Public Safety
Edwards is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by South Wales Police, ensuring his behaviour and residency in Bridgend and the wider South Wales area are under “serious” scrutiny. Given his “high risk” assessment, any “dishonest” breach of his suspended sentence or “vile” attempt to contact the victim will result in his immediate arrest and “serious” return to custody.
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