Dean Edwards’ victim came forward after learning her attacker had committed another offence
19:14, 11 May 2026
Dean Edwards, 48, raped a woman after attempting to ‘sweet talk’ her(Image: South Wales Police)
A convicted rapist was brought to justice almost 20 years after raping a woman who made a complaint to police after her attacker was jailed for committing a separate sexual offence. She was left sobbing on the floor and feeling “worthless” after the man attempted to “sweet talk” her before raping her.
Dean Edwards, 48, was intoxicated through drink and drugs when he raped his victim, after he had attended her home in Cardiff and asked to be let in. The victim refused but he didn’t take no for an answer and attempted to “sweet talk” his way into the house.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday heard the defendant forcibly took hold of the victim and kissed her neck before shepherding her into the house. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter.
He then held her arms above her head, removed her underwear and his trousers and raped her.
Prosecutor Dan Jones said the victim was crying and repeatedly saying “no” and “stop” but Edwards continued to rape her.
He then pulled up his trousers and left, leaving the victim sobbing on the living room floor.
She told people about what had happened but did not report it to the police.
But in 2023, the victim did contact the police after learning the defendant had been imprisoned for another rape committed after the rape committed against her.
When arrested, the defendant was a serving prisoner and denied raping the victim.
Edwards, of HMP Parc, was later convicted of rape following a trial.
The court heard he has 22 previous convictions for offences including rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, indecent assault, common assault, battery and robbery.
In a victim personal statement read to the court by Mr Jones, the victim said: “The incident has had a profound impact on my life. I questioned whether it was something I deserved. I feel an immense amount of guilt for not reporting the matter to the police. When I found out about other matters against this defendant I felt responsible and thought I could help other women by going to the police earlier.
“I felt worthless and ashamed of myself, it’s affected my confidence and my relationships with men ever since… It’s had a negative impact on my working life and my mental health. I’m not currently working due to stress with the investigation and court process. I experienced sleep issues due to the stress of the investigation. I am not sure I will ever truly get over what happened to me.”
The court heard the defendant continues to maintain his innocence.
Judge Vanessa Francis sentenced Edwards to eight years imprisonment, with an extended licence period of four years.
The defendant was also made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a restraining order indefinitely.
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