THREE Valleys men were locked up yesterday for their parts in a “sadistic” and “barbaric” sex attack on an unconscious man at a party.

Owain William, David Turner, 22, Niall Price, 19, and Liam Price, 22, all of no fixed abode, appeared in Cardiff Crown Court yesterday for sentencing.

All three pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, sexual assault and inflicting grievous bodily harm on the third day of their trial last month.

All the charges related to an attack on a man in Pen-y- Bryn Court, Croespenmaen, in August last year.

Prosecutor Chris Rees said the complainant, who had taken drugs, was stripped naked, before his body, head and eyebrows were shaved and liquid forced down his throat until he began to choke. Mr Rees said the man was sexually assaulted before being left outside a house in the street.

The man suffered a number of injuries including abrasions, swelling and bruising to his face and body, skin blistering and internal injuries.

Mr Rees said Liam Price filmed some of the offences on his mobile phone.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the man, who cannot be named, said that although he had no memory of the incident itself, he suffers nightmares of what happened to him. He said he has to keep busy to stop his mind dwelling on the attack.

The court heard Niall Price and Turner both pleaded guilty to sexual assault on the basis they encouraged Liam Price in committing the offence.

A fourth defendant, Thomas Davies, 21, of Pentwyn Road, Crumlin, pleaded guilty to exposure, ABH and sexual assault and will be sentenced on at a later date.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said the attack was “appalling and frankly barbaric.”

He said: “Your victim was helpless, fast asleep or unconscious as a result of what he had had to drink.

“He was as vulnerable as it is possible to imagine any male victim to be.”

Liam Price was jailed for six years, Turner for four years and Niall Price was detained in an young offenders institute for four years and six months.

‘Horseplay’ and drink blamed for actions

REPRESENTING Liam Price, Sarah Waters said he was “deeply ashamed” of his actions and what started off as “horseplay between immature and boisterous young men” escalated.

She said he accepted in his pre-sentence report that had it not been for his actions then others may not have got involved.

Michael Mather-Lees QC, representing Turner said he regretted his part in the attack and if he could turn the clocks back he would. He said it was not a “planned predatory attack” and alcohol had been consumed.

Huw Evans, counsel for Niall Price, said his client, who once played rugby for Wales U18s, was easily led.

He said Niall Price did not arrive at the party until after much of the offending had taken place, but he accepted his role in encouraging others and injuring the victim.