**Former Soldier Sentenced after Breaking into Woman’s Home and Sexually Assaulting Her in Cardiff**
A former member of the armed forces has been sentenced to six years in prison after breaking into a woman’s house in Cardiff, where he launched a violent and harrowing sexual assault. Raymond Lawrence, aged 32, admitted to forcibly entering the property, physically attacking the resident, and subjecting her to a brutal ordeal that has left her deeply traumatised.
The incident, which took place last year, saw Lawrence invade the victim’s home and confront her, instilling fear and panic. Upon entering the house, Lawrence forced his victim into a bedroom, physically restraining her attempts to flee. When the woman screamed in terror, Lawrence responded by covering her mouth with his hand, further intensifying her distress.
At Newport Crown Court, prosecutors outlined the events of that night. Lawrence was said to have pushed the victim onto a bed, strangled her, and made chilling threats against her life. According to evidence presented, the ordeal continued as the defendant restrained the woman with one hand, using the other to aggressively sexually assault her. The assault escalated when Lawrence began to punch her repeatedly and again choked her with both hands. The attack culminated when he grabbed a can of hairspray and discharged it directly into her nose and mouth, persisting until the aerosol nozzle broke.
The victim, despite suffering a series of injuries—including swelling to the face, multiple cuts and lacerations, and marks around her neck—managed to escape her attacker. She fled the house in desperation, running into the street and shouting for help. Lawrence then left the scene as police were called.
Following his arrest, Lawrence initially denied all accusations, but subsequently entered a plea of guilty to assault by penetration. The court also heard of his substantial criminal record, which includes 26 previous convictions related to violence, harassment, criminal damage, and drug offences. At the time of the assault, Lawrence was already in breach of a suspended sentence for a previous violent offence.
During the sentencing hearing, a personal statement from the victim was read out, offering a stark insight into the profound impact the attack has had on her life. She described a continuing struggle with fear, insomnia, and nightmares, recounting vivid dreams in which she relived the attack. Unable to be alone, she relied on her parents for support and was left unable to work or even answer the door without anxiety. “The fact that he broke into my home and attacked me with such force is something I will carry with me forever,” she said.
In response, Lawrence’s defence counsel described his troubled upbringing, highlighting exposure to familial abuse and early drug and alcohol use. The court was told he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after his time in the Army. However, Judge Daniel Williams made clear that the trauma imposed on the victim would have lasting consequences, stating that she had been left feeling violated and unsafe in her own home.
In addition to the custodial sentence, Lawrence must comply with sex offender notification requirements for life and is subject to a restraining order for the next ten years, intended to protect the victim from any further contact.
This distressing case underscores the ongoing challenges victims of sexual violence face, both during the incident itself and long afterwards. Support services continue to urge anyone affected by sexual assault to seek help, assuring them that resources and guidance are available.
The sentencing has been welcomed by those campaigning for tougher action on serious violent offences, though it remains a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, support, and prevention within local communities.