A man has been jailed after threatening to rape a woman at a Welsh Cathedral. Stephen Evans, 41, also made a throat-slitting gesture in front of her and uttered derogatory religious remarks. Evans pleaded guilty to a series of offences committed in Bangor between March and September this year. The judge at Mold Crown Court sentenced him to eight months and one week in prison.
In addition, the court banned Evans from entering the city of Bangor for five years, stating that its residents “needed a break” from his “vile” behaviour. Prosecutor Amy Edwards told the court that Evans, of Maes Canol, Abergele, visited the cathedral in March. According to Edwards, Evans, accompanied by a friend, told a woman at Bangor Cathedral: “Don’t mind us, we’re just praying to the Lord.” His presence made her feel threatened, reports North Wales Live.
Shortly afterwards, he mentioned “raping her”, which left her feeling frightened. Evans also suggested that the woman should take her own life before leaving the scene, the court heard. On the same day (March 12), the defendant entered Burger King at 12.20pm and asked the staff: “Oi, can I get my free food?” He left at 12.32pm but returned shortly after, blaming the staff for missing his bus and slamming his hands on the counter.
When the staff threatened to call the police, Evans responded: “Go on, call the f****** police” as he needed a “taxi”. At 12.40pm, Evans entered JD Sports and stole a baseball cap. The man returned to Bangor Cathedral the following day where he unnervingly smiled at a woman and drew his finger across his throat. Additionally, on September 3, Evans caused concern among staff at Marks & Spencer in Bangor for his unusual behaviour, declaring to an employee: “You don’t have to watch me. I’m bigger than you.”
He then helped himself to a £2.50 Marks & Spencer cocktail can but denied the theft, claiming he was a “functioning alcoholic”. Richard Edwards, defending, said that Evans regretted his actions. His difficult upbringing, coupled with mental health struggles and alcohol use as a trigger, were cited as contributing factors. Evans has previously held employment in offshore wind farms and sought £3,000 funding for his tickets to go back if he were allowed to remain free, the court heard.
For threatening to rape a woman in the cathedral, Evans was handed a four-month prison as a public order offence. He was sentenced to two months jail for engaging in threatening behaviour the subsequent day and another two months for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order. Evans also faced a week’s imprisonment for missing a prior court appearance at Caernarfon Magistrates Court, along with concurrent four-month sentences for making threats at Burger King.