ANURAG SHARMA FROM GWENT SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN ABERTILLERY AND ATTEMPTED ESCAPE AT DOVER

A man identified as Anurag Sharma, aged 21 and originally from Abertillery in Gwent, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. The jury found Sharma guilty of rape, assault by penetration, and sexual assault against a woman who was his victim. The crimes took place last summer, and the case has garnered significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the offenses and Sharma's subsequent attempt to evade justice.

According to court proceedings, Sharma recorded himself during the assault, which occurred in the privacy of the victim’s bedroom. The victim described her experience as horrific and expressed her feelings of empowerment after Sharma’s conviction. In her victim impact statement, she referred to Sharma as a “dangerous predator” and emphasized that she no longer considers herself a victim, asserting, “You no longer have power over me and I’m not your victim. I have survived.”

Following the attack, Sharma fled the UK, attempting to escape justice by traveling to France hidden in the back of a lorry while he was on bail. His attempt to return to the UK undetected was thwarted when he was arrested at Dover. The authorities confirmed that Sharma was apprehended during his attempt to re-enter the country, bringing an end to his flight from justice.

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe highlighted the vulnerability of the victim and pointed out that Sharma’s actions appeared to involve a degree of planning, indicating a calculated approach to committing the offenses. The court heard that Sharma’s behavior was premeditated, adding weight to the severity of his crimes.

During the sentencing hearing, Sharma’s defense lawyer, Dale Beeson, appealed for mercy on behalf of his client. Beeson provided background information about Sharma, stating that he had recently arrived in the UK from India and was the son of a respected heart surgeon. The lawyer emphasized that Sharma had no prior criminal record, came from a good family, and had received a solid education.

Beeson also mentioned Sharma’s personal circumstances, including his previous relationship with a girl he loved deeply, who had moved to Canada for her studies. The lawyer argued that Sharma’s life had been significantly impacted by his actions, stating, “This is a young man who has no previous offences and he comes from a good family background and had a good education.” He further explained that Sharma’s actions had led to the loss of his reputation, his liberty, and the respect of his family, describing the situation as a complete upheaval of his life. Beeson acknowledged that Sharma was aware that deportation would follow his conviction.

Judge Recorder Paul Hartley-Davies addressed Sharma directly, expressing concern over the defendant’s awareness of the victim’s intoxication at the time of the assault. The judge also noted that Sharma was assessed as posing a high risk of harm to the public, which influenced the severity of the sentence.

Ultimately, Sharma was sentenced to nine years in prison. The judge ordered that he serve two-thirds of that sentence in custody before being eligible for release on license. Additionally, Sharma will be required to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.

After the sentencing, Recorder Hartley-Davies commended the victim for her bravery in coming forward and giving evidence during the trial, acknowledging her courage in the face of trauma and adversity.