**Woman Endures Shocking Sexual Assault While Reading Book at Welsh Bus Station**
A woman’s ordinary evening at Talbot Green bus station took a distressing turn when she became the victim of a serious sexual assault, a case recently heard at Cardiff Crown Court. The incident, which occurred on 20 May 2024, saw the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, subjected to intimidating and lewd behaviour from Terry Columb, a man unknown to her.
According to prosecutors, the woman was sitting alone at the bus station, quietly reading a book as she waited for her bus. Around 7pm, Columb, who was described as ‘visibly intoxicated’, approached her after alighting from a bus. The defendant, reportedly staggering with a bottle of alcohol in his possession, quickly caused the woman to feel uneasy. Despite her efforts to ignore him and to assert her personal space, Columb’s conduct became increasingly alarming.
Eyewitness statements and court evidence revealed that Columb’s harassment escalated unsettlingly fast. He began his interaction by offering the woman items from a nearby shop and even tried to share his alcohol. Their subsequent exchanges grew more menacing, with Columb disregarding repeated requests to leave her alone.
The prosecution, led by Abigail Jackson, detailed how Columb crossed personal boundaries, physically and verbally. In a series of disturbing acts, he leaned in to lick a page of the woman’s book, moved her hair aside, and attempted to lick her hand. The assault took on a sexualised nature when Columb seized the woman’s water bottle and used it in a crude gesture designed to mimic a sexual act. Matters reached an appalling level when Columb made overt threats of rape and persisted in making sexually explicit comments.
As the situation unfolded, the victim tried her best to defuse matters and protect herself, but Columb intensified his intimidation. Before leaving the scene, he attempted to drag the woman by her arm, further aggravating her sense of vulnerability and distress.
During the sentencing, the victim’s statement was read to the court. She expressed feeling “unsafe” and profoundly “alone” during the ordeal, and admitted that she was greatly upset by the lack of support from passers-by. Since the incident, she disclosed, returning to Talbot Green bus station is now out of the question for her, and even encounters with the driver from Columb’s bus have painfully revived memories of the incident.
Further details shared at court highlighted Columb’s extensive criminal background. The 41-year-old, who resides at Llys Maelwg, Green Park, Port Talbot, already holds 20 convictions relating to 47 previous offences, encompassing instances of drunk and disorderly behaviour, as well as robbery. His criminal record and the gravity of the latest offence painted a worrying picture.
Defence counsel Martha Smith Higgins told the court that Columb’s guilty plea at an early opportunity was an indication of his remorse, and she added that he was “ashamed and embarrassed” by his actions. Background information presented during the hearing revealed a troubled upbringing, marked by early exposure to alcohol and significant familial loss, including his father’s conviction for manslaughter and subsequent suicide. Nonetheless, Ms Smith Higgins acknowledged that these hardships could not excuse Columb’s behaviour.
Delivering his sentence, Judge Timothy Jowett imposed an 18-month community order and issued a £135 fine to Columb. While the punishment might seem modest in light of the terror experienced by the victim, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability many face in public spaces and the necessity for societal vigilance.
This harrowing episode has prompted renewed conversations in the region about public safety measures at bus stations, as well as the broader issues surrounding support for victims of sexual violence and the efficacy of sentencing for repeat offenders. The voices of survivors, such as the victim in this case, highlight the ongoing need for awareness and preventative action within communities.
The case also spotlights the often overlooked psychological consequences for victims of sexual assault, as well as the ongoing impact of such crimes on their sense of security and everyday lives. As the community processes the disturbing details of this case, many hope it will spur further efforts to ensure others do not suffer similar experiences in places meant to facilitate safe travel.
For those affected by sexual assault and harassment, there are local and national resources available for support. Police have encouraged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or threatening behaviour encountered in public places.