Talvinder Atwal, a 24-year-old from Neath Road, Briton Ferry, has been handed a 17-year extended sentence at Swansea Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of seven offences including rape, sexual assault and strangulation. The court heard that Atwal subjected a vulnerable woman to repeated acts of sexual violence in 2025 in Neath Port Talbot, with the offending accompanied by acts of spitting on the victim and the use of degrading and abusive language.
Victim describes life-changing impact
In a statement read to the court by prosecution barrister Nic Gedge, the victim described how the abuse had affected every area of her life. She said she now leads an isolated life and feels unable to leave the house to carry out simple tasks such as visiting local shops. The woman added that she has been left struggling to function day-to-day, suffering from nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The victim told the court the abuse had changed her completely, adding: "I don't think I will ever be the person I was."
Judge rules Atwal is dangerous offender
Judge Catherine Richards told the defendant that he had subjected his victim to repeated acts of sexual violence, adding that the evidence made it clear Atwal took pleasure in seeing the woman in distress. The judge observed that the defendant held entrenched beliefs not linked to immaturity and stated she was certain there was a significant risk of him committing further specified offences in the future.
David Singh, representing Atwal, acknowledged that his client's difficult background might offer some explanation for his behaviour, though he stressed it did not excuse it in any way. He described Atwal as a young and immature individual.
Extended sentence and release conditions
Atwal received a 17-year extended sentence, comprising 14 years in custody followed by a three-year licence period. He must complete two thirds of the custodial element before he can apply for release, with the Parole Board ultimately deciding whether it is safe to free him. The defendant will remain a registered sex offender for the remainder of his life.
