Search results for Cardiff

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Sami Aharroud, 74, has been jailed for 10 years for a rape committed more than 20 years ago.

His offence came to light when the victim bravely come forward in 2022.

Aharroud, from Splott, Cardiff, denied rape but was found guilty following a trial at Newport Crown Court  in July 2026.

He was sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court on October 12, 2026, to 10 years in prison with an additional three years extended license.

He continues to be subject a Restraining Order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order to further protect the victim.

Officer in the case, Detective Sergeant Stacey Bolton from South Wales Police, said:

“The victim has shown tremendous strength throughout the process, having lived with the impact of Aharroud’s actions for over twenty years before feeling ready to contact police.

“She then supported a protracted investigation and bravely, with the support of family, attended court where she read out a Victim Impact Statement.

“We hope the outcome gives some peace of mind that justice has finally been done, and she has our very best wishes as she continues to heal from this whole ordeal.

“This case is yet another example of why it is never too late for victims of sexual offences to come forward.”

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Liam Hobbs, 27, from Ely, Cardiff, has been jailed at Cardiff Crown Court for historical sexual assaults on a child.

His offending came to light when the victim bravely reported what had happened.

Hobbs was arrested and his mobile phone and other devices were seized for examination. Indecent images of children were found and he was further arrested.

Hobbs admitted three counts of possesion of indecent photographs but denied two counts of assault by penetration on a girl under 13.

A jury at Cardiff Crown Court found him guilty on July 1, 2026, following a trial and he was sentenced on September 2, 2026, to 14 months in prison for the indecent images offences.

For the sexual assault, he received a consecutive seven-year extended sentence comprising of 5 years imprisonment with an extended two years on licence.

In an impact statement, the victim said:

"I feel relieved that justice has been done, and I was believed in court. I want to now get on with my life".

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Emma Partridge, from South Wales Police, said:

“The victim was incredibly brave to share what happened to her and support the investigation.

“Her evidence at court was compelling and she should feel proud of herself.

“Hobb’s actions continue to have a huge impact on her life including panic attacks and difficulty sleeping.

“I hope the sentencing brings some comfort and allows her to regain confidence to move forward.”

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A man has been jailed for multiple counts of rape following South Wales Police-led investigations.

Najat Ismail, age 53, of Grangetown, was sentenced to 20 years in jail, with an extension of five years due to the seriousness off his offences, at Cardiff Crown Court on August 4.

His sentenced followed two separate trials, where Ismail was found guilty of:

• Three counts of rape (verdict delivered on April 20, 2026)
• Nine counts of rape (verdict delivered May 7, 2026)

Ismail has also been made the subject of a restraining order towards both victims.

DCI Geraint Higgins said:

“Ismail is a dangerous predator, and I would like to thank the victims in these cases for their immense courage and strength in reporting Ismail’s actions to us and enabling us to get to this verdict today. I hope they find some comfort in the jail sentence given to him.”

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A man who raped a teenager and sexually assaulted two girls dating back to the 1990s has been jailed for 15 years.

David Trigg, of Whitchurch, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 26 June 2026 where he was handed the 15-year sentence following a trial.

The 60-year-old had been found guilty of one count of rape of a female under 16, seven counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, and one count of sexual assault.

The offences took place in the Malpas area of Cheshire.

One of the complainants in this case contacted police in 2022 to report that Trigg had raped her in the late 1990s.

An investigation was subsequently launched and a further two complainants came forward.

They both reported they had been sexually assaulted by Trigg between the late 1990s and the early 2000s.

Following extensive enquiries into the reports, Trigg was charged and although he denied the offences, he was found guilty following a trial in April 2026.

On top of his custodial sentence, Trigg must sign the Sex Offender Register indefinitely and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a 14-year Restraining Order against all three of the complainants.

DC Kelly Connolley, the investigating officer, said:

“Firstly, I would like to recognise the bravery of the three complainants in reporting what happened to them. This has been a lengthy investigation from reporting the offences to obtaining a conviction.

“The offences date back almost 30 years, and these women have had to carry this on their shoulders for all that time, knowing that their abuser had never faced justice for his vile actions.

“But now he has a long spell of custody ahead of him, and I hope this brings some closure to the complainants.

“I also hope this case demonstrates that you can come forward and report incidents of this nature to police, no matter how long ago the offence took place.”

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A man has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of raping a child.

Julian Hobbs, 36, of Cathays was sentenced to 15 years, with an extension of three years at Merthyr Crown Court today (March 16) after being found guilty multiple child sex offences.

Hobbs was found guilty of the following offences, following a three day trial between December 15 – 18 at Newport Crown Court:

• Three counts of Rape a girl under 13
• Two counts of Offender 18 or over cause a child under 13 to watch / look at an image of sexual activity
• One count of Cause / incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration

His conviction comes after the victim bravely reported Hobb’s actions to a teacher at school.

Investigating officer DC Geraint Strakis said:

“I commend the victim, who is still a child, for her bravery in reporting Hobbs’ disgusting actions. No child should have to endure this type of abuse.

“Despite his continued attempts to avoid culpability for his actions by pleading guilty, I’m thankful to see he has been held account for his predatory nature.”

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A paedophile who asked a 14-year-old girl to perform a sexual act on him swore at a judge, telling her "f*** your country," before storming out of his sentencing hearing and refusing to return. He appeared via video link from prison.

Abdirahman Osman, 44, approached a group of young girls in Roath Park, Cardiff, on July 13 last year. He asked their ages, tried to hug one, called them "sweeties," and said he wanted to be one of their boyfriends.

The girls told him to leave, but later that day, he called one over to his nearby home, asking for her help. When she approached, he requested oral sex, leaving her "shocked and scared," the court heard.

She returned to her friends, who called police. Osman was arrested and told an officer: "I didn't touch anyone, they were talking to me and I asked one of them for a b*****b and that was it."

Osman, of Pen y Wain Road, Roath, was convicted at Cardiff Crown Court of attempting to engage/incite a child in sexual activity. He has prior convictions for battery and robbery.

As Judge Lucy Crowther addressed him, Osman said: "I want to go back to my own country (Kenya). F*** your country." He then left the video room and returned to his cell.

In her victim statement, the girl said: "Since this incident I feel wary of people and scared of people who look like him. I don't like going out on my own anymore. My social interactions have changed, I don't like going out on my own and don't feel safe.

"I don't go to the Roath Park area as I find it distressing. I now stay local to home as I feel safer this way. My mum has been concerned and worried for me and she's supported me. Following the incident I am shocked and distressed a man can say things like this and leave me feeling worried and upset."

Judge Crowther sentenced Osman to two years' imprisonment and a 10-year sex offender notification requirement.

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Justin James, 46, from Ely, Cardiff, has been jailed for sexually assaulting three females over a three-year period.

James was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault by penetration and six counts of sexual assault by touching.

He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, January 23 to 14 years imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

A further hearing yesterday (Tuesday, February 10) confirmed that James is also subject of a Restraining Order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Lewis Clarke, from South Wales Police, said:

“The victims and their relatives have been deeply impacted by James’ offending and were massively relieved at the conclusion of the trial that their voices had been heard.

“The sentencing will, of course, not undo what happened to them but gives them a piece of mind that they have been taken seriously and that they will be protected from Justin James by the sentence he has received.”

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A man has been sentenced to 10 years, with an extension period of six years, after he was convicted of a rape and an attempt to rape.

Yusuf Nur, aged 47, of Cardiff, pleaded guilty to the two offences on September 15, 2025 and was today (January 23) sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court.

The court heard how, on August 17, at around 5.20am, the 19-year-old victim flagged down officers on patrol and reported the rape that had just occurred on Kingsway, in the city centre.

Nur was swiftly located, arrested and charged. Despite initially denying any contact, the extensive work carried out by officers including forensic and CCTV review, Nur then changed his plea to guilty.

Investigating officer DC Liberty Knox said:

“The bravery it takes to come forward and reporting an offence like this not to be underestimated, and I hope knowing Nur has been held accountable helps the healing journey to come for the victim.

“An extensive amount of work went into this investigation which in turn made Nur plead guilty. I would like to thank all the officers who supported this investigation and ensured Nur was held accountable for his actions.”

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A sports coach was found with indecent images of child abuse after police seized his mobile phone, which contained search terms like "young gymnast" and "girl cheerleaders."

Ciaran Bright, 30, was visited by officers at his Cardiff home on July 25, 2025, following a South Wales Police investigation triggered by a referral from social media company Kik about an individual uploading such images.

At a sentencing hearing Friday at Cardiff Magistrates' Court, prosecutors said a seized phone revealed two category A images, two category B images, and four category C images, downloaded between April 2 and July 18, 2025. Search terms included "young gymnast," "girl cheerleaders," and "children on leashes."

Bright, of Pennsylvania, Pentwyn, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. The court heard he had previous good character.

On LinkedIn, Bright described himself as a director of SportsXtra, working with clubs including Cardiff City FC and Swansea City FC.

In mitigation, the court heard his life had "spiralled" due to drug use, but he is addressing it. He has lost his career, is unemployed, has supportive family, and showed no evidence of direct child contact.

Bright received a nine-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, plus a 14-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work. He must comply with sex offender notification requirements and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

A SportsXtra spokesperson said:

"We are very shocked by this news, and are deeply dismayed that Ciaran has behaved in such a deplorable way.

"Safeguarding is our highest priority and as soon as we learned about the allegations against Ciaran we immediately suspended him, in line with our procedures, and ensured he had no further contact with young people.

"We remain committed to maintaining the trust placed in us and continue to review our safeguarding policies to ensure the strongest possible protections are in place."

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A Cardiff man who used his luxury city centre apartment as a base for young male prostitution which earned him tens of thousands of pounds has been jailed.

Dafydd Evans, of the Hayes Apartments, Cardiff, was jailed at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, December 22, after he was found guilty by a jury of controlling prostitution for gain, possessing indecent images of children, and acquiring illegal property, namely money.

He came under the radar of South Wales Police’s Exploitation Team after a man from Turkey contacted the Modern Slavery Helpline. Evans had met the man on a website which aims to put people in touch with travellers looking for a place to stay. The whistleblower became suspicious and repulsed by Evans, from what he divulged during online conversations.

Critically to the police investigation which followed, Evans had told him he had a massage business in Cardiff city centre, which included a rough location on a map and the front door and foyer area of the Hayes Apartment he lived in.

Dafydd Evans was at home when South Wales Police officers conducted arrest enquiries on July 3, 2023. They found a massage bed in the corner of the living room, sex paraphernalia including condoms and lubricants, and boys underwear. Officers also recovered a card payment machine from the flat. Strewn over the bed were a number of mobile phones which were all seized and examined forensically.

Officers uncovered extensive evidence of criminality on those devices; Whatsapp accounts owned by Evans included messages he sent of children being abused. They also revealed he was offering sexual intercourse with young men who worked for him and that he was prepared to travel to other countries to meet clients.

His bank statements showed he potentially made as much as £40k from his criminality.

Evans was initially released on bail with conditions which included not having anyone at his apartment but breached those conditions when an officer carried out bail checks. He went on the run from police but was arrested at a hotel a few days later and remanded in custody.

Following a trial on Friday, December 20, Dafydd Evans was found guilty of controlling prostitution for gain, acquiring criminal property - namely money, and two counts of possessing Category A and C indecent photographs of a child. On Monday, December 22, he was jailed for 45 months at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Robyn Allen, said:

“Dafydd Evans is a calculated paedophile who made thousands of pounds operating his sordid enterprise from a luxury Cardiff City Centre apartment.

“He preyed on vulnerable people and used them as sex slaves for his own financial gain and to satisfy his sick, depraved fantasies.

“We have shared information we have uncovered during our investigation with international partners, including police forces across the world, so that anyone who is complicit in his activities also face arrest, and to ensure that any other victims get the help and support they need.”

Officers seized over £40k from his bank accounts and are taking steps under the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure he does not benefit financially from his criminality.

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Victims of an abuser who committed sex acts on children while under 18 were left feeling suicidal, with one saying the ordeal ruined her life.

Kai Lewis, now 29, sexually assaulted his first victim starting when she was of primary school age and he was in his mid-teens. At Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, the hearing revealed he abused his second victim, also of primary school age, when he was in his late teens. Lewis, of Tweedsmuir Road in Tremorfa, Cardiff, was convicted.

One victim realized the abuse was wrong during school sex education, while the other understood it during a sleepover.

In her victim personal statement, the first victim said: "I am not going to sit here and say this hasn't defined my life, it has. It has ruined my life and changed me as a person. I have been abused by this man since I was a child and it has shaped the person I am today.

"I was not able to have a normal childhood or teenage years like my friends and it has had an impact on all adult aspects of my life. I have not been able to form healthy relationships or trust another man in my life."

She described severe mental health impacts, including flashbacks and multiple suicide attempts, adding: "The image of him still haunts me to this day. I see his face in all men around me and ask myself if it will ever get better. I will never be able to get over the abuse."

The second victim stated: "I am making this statement to express my feelings of how the abuse has impacted my life. He made me feel disgusting and that I need to scrub my skin at all times. I can feel his hands on me and have vivid dreams about it happening all over again.

"He made me feel vulnerable and scared of all men, I fear any man can assault me, not only him.

"I can't remember my childhood, I think I was trying to block out all the memories... I am on anti depressants, struggling with my mental health and felt like I wanted to end my life. I am getting flashbacks triggered by random things. I feel disgusting in my own body and will never feel clean or good enough.

"I feel like I am finally getting the justice I deserve after such a long period of time and I'm looking forward to starting the process of healing."

Lewis denied the charges but was convicted after trial of assault by penetration, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

Prosecutor Kathryn Lane said: "(The victims) thought the defendant's behaviour was normal as they were so young when it occurred. They were unaware this ought not to be happening." The victims later reported separately to police.

In mitigation, Heath Edwards noted Lewis committed the offenses as a youth, is registered blind, unemployed, and lives an unstructured life. Lewis has one prior robbery conviction.

Judge Richard Kember sentenced Lewis as if he were under 18 at the time, imposing four years and six months' imprisonment, plus an indefinite restraining order, sex offender notification requirements, and an eight-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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William Aderayo Adesanya, from Penarth, has been jailed for multiple rapes.

The 25-year-old was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Monday, November 3, to 16 years in prison, with an extended licence period of six years.

He was jailed after being found guilty of three counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of intentional strangulation.

Adesanya was also made subject to a restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order prohibiting him from having contact with sex workers, both to run indefinitely.

Adesanya attended the victim’s home address in Cardiff for the purposes of using her services as an escort.

While at the address Adesanya strangled the victim until she became unconscious, sexually assaulted and raped her multiple times. He filmed his acts on his mobile phone.

William Adesanya, from Penarth, has been jailed for multiple rapes.

The 25-year-old was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Monday, November 3, to 16 years in prison, with an extended licence period of six years.

He was jailed after being found guilty of three counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of intentional strangulation.

Adesanya was also made subject to a restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order prohibiting him from having contact with sex workers, both to run indefinitely.

Adesanya attended the victim’s home address in Cardiff for the purposes of using her services as an escort.

While at the address Adesanya strangled the victim until she became unconscious, sexually assaulted and raped her multiple times. He filmed his acts on his mobile phone.

Following the sentencing hearing, the victim wrote to South Wales Police saying:

"I would like to say thank you to DC Nick Young and to everyone else that has helped and supported me through the process of the trial and sentencing of my attacker. 

"I am so incredibly grateful for him and all that he has done, he has shown me an incredible amount of patience, kindness, and compassion throughout this entire traumatic process. 

"This has been a long, emotional journey and I would not have been able to do it without the support of everyone involved. 

"Thank you all so very much. From the bottom of my heart."

Officer in the case, DC Nick Young, said:

“The victim demonstrated exceptional bravery throughout the process and hopes that her story can encourage others who are suffering to report matters.  South Wales Police will be relentless in our pursuit of offenders and those who target the vulnerable in our communities.”

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Fawaz Alsamaou, 33, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, has been jailed for sexually assaulting a woman in Cathays, Cardiff.

The woman was walking from the city centre during the early hours of Sunday, May 12, 2024 when she became aware of a man walking behind her.

She was then sexually assaulted under the railway bridge close to Senghenydd Hall.

Extensive enquiries were conducted and Alsamaou was identified as a suspect following a CCTV appeal for information on BBC Crimewatch.

In a Victim Personal Statement to the court, the woman, now aged 24, described the impact of the crime.

“The attack that happened on me has had a lasting effect on me to this day and I still think about it every day. Now I feel that I am looking over my shoulder more and always thinking the worst. I don’t feel safe going anywhere by myself and still I don’t feel safe now when it is dark outside.

“I want the male responsible for the attack to serve justice. Not only so I can have closure from the incident but to ensure that this doesn’t happen to any other females in the future.”

Alsamaou was convicted and sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court today to three years and one month in prison for the sexual assault and 16 months concurrent for intentional strangulation.

Detective Sergeant Alex Lloyd, from South Wales Police, said:

“Everyone has the right to feel safe, any time of day, wherever they are, and South Wales Police does everything possible to ensure people feel safe when going about their everyday business.

“We hope today’s sentencing gives the victim the closure that she has been seeking.

“Stranger incidents like that are very unusual, but when they do happen, we use all available policing methods, including media appeals for information, to bring offenders to justice.

“We would like to acknowledge the bravery of the victim in speaking out and thank BBC Crimewatch for their assistance.”

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A woman attempted suicide twice, visiting a bridge with intent to end her life, after being sexually assaulted by David Walsh, 41, of Cardiff. She described her life in "turmoil" and feeling "sick to her stomach" when Walsh denied the offenses.

Walsh assaulted the victim by performing oral sex on her after she passed out from alcohol and penetrating her with his fingers on two occasions.

At Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, the victim reported the assault, leading to Walsh's arrest. He denied the claims, alleging she made up or "exaggerated" them. A jury convicted him of two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault.

In her victim personal statement, read by prosecutor Thomas Stanway, she said: "The impact on my family and I has been huge." A decade-long degree pursuit derailed, she can no longer chase her dream career, facing massive financial strain: "I am unable to hold a job down... I have been signed off from work due to anxiety. The incident has taken my independence away. Having my dream career taken away from me and not being able to work is heartbreaking."

She undergoes therapy but battles insomnia, flashbacks, severe depression, and shaking like Parkinson's: "I suffer with shaking as if I have Parkinson's. It happens when I'm watching TV at home and anxiety washes all over me... Some days I feel like I need to be cared for like a child." She added: "I am regularly severely depressed, on two occasions I ended up on (a roundabout) and my husband had to call me off to stop me from jumping... Standing on that bridge would never have happened if the defendant hadn't assaulted me that night... It sickens me down to my stomach (the defendant) thought what he had done was acceptable and for him to deny what he did while my life has been in turmoil really hurts."

Walsh has prior convictions for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, battery, and dangerous driving. In mitigation, Christopher Evans claimed no "severe psychological harm," noting Walsh's two children and support for his sister's family bills.

Judge Greg Bull deemed the offenses "pretty serious" with aggravating factors, sentencing Walsh to six years and six months in prison, indefinite sex offender registration, and a 20-year restraining order.

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A man from Butetown has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexual offences against children.

Liton Ahmed, 47, denied six counts of sexually assaulting a girl by touching and one count of attempting to sexually assault a girl by touching.

But he was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in April 2025.

Ahmed was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on August 26, 2025, to 18 years in prison.

Officer in the case Dc Steven Taylor said:  

“I want to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward- thanks to their reports and support, justice has been served.

"It has been a traumatic time for everyone involved and I am hopeful the outcome at court brings the victims and families some comfort which they deserve.”

Ahmed is also on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, is subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has a Restraining Order in respect of the victims until further notice.