Ugandan Rugby International Philip Pariyo Sentenced for Rape in Cardiff
Philip Pariyo, a Ugandan rugby player, was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for raping a woman in Cardiff. Despite denying the allegations, he was found guilty in December 2024. The victim described the lasting trauma from the assault, and the case raises issues concerning asylum seekers’ accountability under the law.
Philip Pariyo, a 32-year-old Ugandan rugby international who sought asylum in the UK, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for raping a woman in Cardiff in June 2021. The Cardiff Crown Court found Pariyo guilty after he maintained his innocence throughout the trial, culminating in a guilty verdict in December 2024. Prior to this incident, Pariyo had participated in the Rugby Sevens at the 2014 Commonwealth Games but subsequently vanished from the spotlight.
The court heard the victim’s testimony, highlighting the profound long-term psychological and physical scars left by the incident. She poignantly stated, “No one in the world should go through what I did, fighting and begging for my life. It has left lasting impacts on me, and has felt like an open wound that I can never heal from.” This statement reflects the deep trauma she suffered as a result of the assault.
Pariyo’s journey to the UK began in 2014 when he was part of Uganda’s Rugby Sevens team at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. After the Games, he diverged from the team and ended up in Cardiff, where he sought asylum due to fears of persecution stemming from accusations regarding his sexual orientation in Uganda, where homosexuality is criminalized. In Cardiff, he became an active player for St Peter’s Rugby Club before working with Cardiff Council.
In court, it was revealed that Pariyo had befriended the victim in 2019 at a funeral and later stayed with her and others in 2021. On the night of the assault, Judge Celia Hughes noted that Pariyo had coerced the victim into a sexual encounter despite her refusals, constituting a violation of both trust and consent. Following the attack, they even went to purchase the morning-after pill, with Pariyo still suggesting the possibility of further sexual contact.
During sentencing, Judge Hughes condemned Pariyo’s actions, describing the assault as an “appalling attack and violation of a woman you called a friend”. She criticized his not guilty plea in light of overwhelming evidence and remarked on the detrimental impact of his behavior, stating, “You manhandled this woman as entirely as you wished.” Moreover, she indicated that his conviction might negatively influence his refugee status in the UK.
The case of Philip Pariyo serves as a disturbing reminder of the realities of sexual violence and the impact such crimes have on victims. It highlights the complexities surrounding immigration status and the implications of criminal behavior for asylum seekers. When individuals seek refuge in a new country, their past actions do not exempt them from the laws of their host nation. This case raises significant questions regarding the responsibilities and expectations placed on public figures and athletes as role models within society.
In conclusion, Philip Pariyo’s conviction underscores the serious nature of sexual assault and the lasting effects it has on survivors. The victim’s testimony illustrates the deep emotional scars resulting from the attack, while Judge Hughes’ sentencing remarks emphasize the societal expectation for athletes to exemplify integrity and respect for others. The outcome of this case highlights the importance of accountability, regardless of one’s status or past achievements.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
