Ugandan Rugby Player Philip Pariyo Sentenced for Sexual Assault in Cardiff

Philip Pariyo, a Ugandan rugby international, has been sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for raping a woman in Cardiff in June 2021. Despite his denials, he was found guilty after a trial that revealed the profound trauma experienced by the victim. Judge Celia Hughes criticized Pariyo for betraying the trust of a friend and emphasized the societal responsibility of individuals in positions of strength.

Philip Pariyo, a Ugandan rugby international, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for raping a woman in Cardiff. The incident occurred in June 2021 after Pariyo had formed a friendship with the victim. Following a trial where he consistently denied the allegations, he was found guilty by a jury in December 2024. Pariyo represented Uganda in Rugby Sevens during the 2014 Commonwealth Games before eventually disappearing and seeking asylum in the UK.

During the court proceedings, the victim provided a powerful impact statement that detailed the severe emotional and psychological effects of the assault. She expressed feelings of being forever haunted by the violation, stating, “No one in the world should go through what I did, fighting and begging for my life.” This testimony highlighted the profound and lasting impact that the crime had on her life, adding gravity to the case against Pariyo.

Pariyo arrived in the UK in 2014 as part of the Ugandan team for the Commonwealth Games but did not return home afterward. He settled in Cardiff and eventually claimed asylum, citing fears for his safety due to allegations of homosexuality, which is criminalized in Uganda. Before the assault, he had befriended the victim at a funeral in Cardiff in 2019, which led to their eventual meeting in June 2021.

On the night of the assault, it was revealed in court that Pariyo had persistently pressured the victim for sex, despite her refusals. Following the attack, the two went to a pharmacy to obtain emergency contraception. When sentencing him, Judge Celia Hughes described the incident as an “appalling attack and violation of a woman you called a friend,” emphasizing the betrayal of trust.

Judge Hughes underlined that a person with Pariyo’s physical capabilities, who had significant sports accolades, should exemplify integrity instead of resorting to violence. His not guilty plea, alongside compelling evidence presented in court, only exacerbated the traumatic experience for the victim, compelling her to relive the ordeal publicly.

The case of Philip Pariyo serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding sexual violence and the responsibility of individuals, particularly those in positions of strength, to uphold ethical standards. The victim’s courage to come forward and the judicial system’s subsequent response reflects the broader societal commitment to addressing and overcoming such heinous acts. Additionally, the case raises questions about the complexities surrounding asylum applications and the implications of prior actions on individual legal standings.

The sentencing of Philip Pariyo concludes a troubling case of sexual violence that not only devastated a victim’s life but also exposed deep societal issues related to accountability and trust. The judge’s remarks regarding Pariyo’s conduct emphasize the expectation of integrity from public figures and the importance of consent in interpersonal relationships. The lasting impact of such crimes on victims underscores the necessity for continued advocacy and support for those affected by sexual violence.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk