James Birmingham Sexually Assaults Woman in Swansea Caravan

James Birmingham, a 47-year-old man from Swansea, was sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her caravan.

Swansea Crown Court heard details of the harrowing attack which took place at a caravan park on Gower in November last year. Birmingham knocked on the victim's door in the early hours of the morning. When she opened it, believing there was an issue, he forced his way inside. He then proceeded to throw and push her around the caravan before sexually assaulting her.

The victim bravely read out a statement detailing the devastating emotional and psychological impact of the assault. She described reliving the attack constantly, questioning her own actions, and struggling with feelings of shame and violation. The court also heard how she felt "indignity" having to relive the trauma in front of strangers and facing challenges to her integrity.

Birmingham's defence lawyer argued that references from people who knew him portrayed him as a well-regarded individual, suggesting this was an isolated incident. However, Judge Geraint Walters acknowledged the "pretty relentless violence" used by Birmingham, comparing his treatment of the victim to "a rag doll." The judge emphasized the severity of the crime, stating he had no doubt alcohol played a role in the "hugely unpleasant" assault.

Birmingham was sentenced to three years imprisonment and will be on the sex offenders register for life.