Glynneath rapist jailed for horrifying series of attacks on woman

29-year-old Curtis Evans, from Glynneath, raped his victim on three occasions in June 2024. He also strangled the victim, and on another occasion bundled the victim into his car whilst telling the victim he was going to kill them.

After pleading not guilty to all charges, Evans was found guilty of three counts of rape and one count of intentional strangulation as well as one count each of kidnapping, threats to kill, ABH and stalking.

Evans has been handed a sentence of three years and six months’ imprisonment, followed by an extended sentence of 18 years comprising a custodial sentence of 15 years and a three-year extended license period.

He has been made subject of a restraining order against the victim and will be on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

Detective Constable Jack Stannard, of South Wales Police’s Rape Investigation Team, said: “Curtis Evans is a particularly nasty and dangerous character who made his victim’s life a living hell.

“He cared nothing for consent or for the welfare of the victim, and was surely going to commit further crimes towards the victim had it not been for the intervention of police.

“We laud the victim for their bravery in speaking up about her abuser Curtis Evans. We hope that they can finally achieve some piece knowing that Evans is going to prison for over a decade.”

Detective Inspector Sharon Gill-Lewis added: “If you are in a situation where you are a victim of any kind of sexual offence, report it to us straight away. Nobody should have to suffer in silence – any victims will be fully supported through their ordeal by our officers.”

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Glynneath Miners Welfare Park officially opens following £817,860 redevelopment

Glynneath Miners Welfare Park has undergone a major transformation thanks to a £817,860 redevelopment project funded by Glynneath Town Council with support from Neath Port Talbot Council’s Project Development and Funding Team.

The project was officially opened by Glynneath-born entertainer Max Boyce MBE and Glynneath Town Mayor, Councillor Julian Bulman.

The new facilities include a children’s play park on the site of the former bowls green, complete with zip wires, trampolines, a rope course, swings, an inclusive roundabout, and a “roadway” designed for cycling and scooting.

Three tennis courts have been fully refurbished, while a fourth has been repurposed as a multi-use games area for football, hockey, and netball. The teen park now features a double zip-line, cone climber, rotator, swings, and a youth shelter.

Glynneath Town Mayor, Councillor Julian Bulman, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see the redevelopment of Glynneath Miners Welfare Park completed. This is a vital community space that has been transformed into a vibrant, inclusive area that will benefit residents of all ages for years to come. The town council is incredibly grateful to all the funders and partners who made this possible – it’s a fantastic achievement for Glynneath.”

Cllr Simon Knoyle – Project Lead for Glynneath Town Council and Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, said: “This project was my top priority when first elected in May 2017. It has taken us eight years for phase one of this ambitious project to come to fruition. I am delighted with what we have been able to achieve with the support of the fantastic community grant funding that has been provided.

“The planning for phase two is already underway and we hope to see progress of that within the next 12-18 months. We wanted to create a legacy, to make this Miners Welfare Park the hub of the community once again for everyone in Glynneath to be able to enjoy.”

The project was made possible thanks to significant financial support from the Maes Gwyn Community Benefit Fund (£395,000) and the Pen y Cymoedd ‘Vision’ Fund (£393,240.10) with additional funding coming from Glynneath Town Council (£13,518), Neath Port Talbot Council’s Community Minor Projects Grant (£10,000) and the Selar Community Benefit Fund (£6,101.90).

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Council takes over running of Glynneath care home

The council says that in addition to continuing to provide long-term residential care at the home, it will also introduce a new 12-bed residential reablement service for adults.

The reablement service will provide short-term support, typically lasting up to six weeks. It is designed to help individuals regain independence in their daily activities following illness or being in hospital. The Council’s Reablement Team, consisting of therapy and support staff, will work with people to support their recovery and enable them to return to their own homes as independently as possible.

As part of the changes, the Council’s Digital Enablement Team will be based at the home, showcasing how technology can assist those recovering from illness. This will include technology such as fall detectors, smart home appliance management, and lifeline response services, all aimed at helping individuals regain confidence and independence.

Trem y Glyn was previously run by social housing and care & support provider Pobl, formally known as Gwalia, who entered into a contract in 2011 with the council to to build four new homes in the areas of Neath, Port Talbot, Glynneath and Cymmer to replace the existing care homes in those areas.

Two of the Care Homes were subsequently developed; Llys y Seren in Port Talbot in 2015, and Plas Bryn Rhosyn in Neath in 2016.

The council negotiated several changes to the contract in 2016 including to cease the development of a new care home in Glynneath and to close Trem y Glyn by 31 March 2022

The council subsequently voted to extend Pobl’s contract to continue running Trem y Glyn until 31 March 2025. This new decision will secure the building and staff’s future the council have said.

Councillor Jo Hale, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services & Health, said: “The decision to combine long-term residential care with short-term reablement is the best way to retain a much-loved local care home in Glynneath.

“The staff working at the home will maintain their roles, and jobs will remain secure, providing continuity of care and stability for all involved.

“Plus, the introduction of a reablement service will offer much-needed support to people as they transition back to independent living, strengthening our commitment to high-quality adult social care in Neath Port Talbot.”

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

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