An unimaginable ordeal: a woman narrowly escaped death after a man tried to rape and strangle her. Romal Xavier, 42, from Tonyrefail, committed this horrific crime despite his victim pleading for mercy. She feared for her life as he assaulted her and threatened her with violence.
In a dramatic sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, Xavier was found guilty of attempted rape, sexual assault, and intentional strangulation. Even with these convictions, he shockingly still claims innocence.
During the assault, he exposed himself and made advances, ignoring her desperate cries to be left alone. At one point, he attempted to force himself on her, but the courageous woman resisted fiercely.
The court heard how Xavier’s actions included strangling her and slamming her head against a wall, making her genuinely fear she wouldn’t survive the attack. He also threatened to kill her, intensifying her terror.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Xavier was sentenced to over nine years in prison, with lifetime sex offender registration and a decade-long restraining order. The court also noted his previous run-ins with the law and his expired UK residency, which might lead to deportation.
This distressing case serves as a stark reminder of the bravery required to stand up against such violence and the importance of justice being served to protect victims.