Key Points
- Yusuf Nur, aged 47 from Cardiff, pleaded guilty to one count of rape and one count of attempted rape on 15 September 2025 at Cardiff Crown Court.
- Sentenced on 23 January 2026 to 10 years’ imprisonment with a six-year extended licence period.
- The offences occurred in the early hours of 17 August 2025 around 5.20am on Kingsway in Cardiff city centre, involving a 19-year-old victim who flagged down patrolling officers immediately after the attack.
- Victim described as a young transgender man who was intoxicated and separated from friends during a night out.
- Nur approached the victim on Queen Street, engaged in conversation about gender identity, offered more alcohol, kissed and touched him sexually, then led him to a secluded area in Cardiff Castle gardens for the assaults.
- Nur specifically inquired if the victim had undergone surgery and was checking for female anatomy, indicating planning, as per prosecutor Ieuan Bennett.
- Assaults included touching genitals, oral rape, despite victim repeatedly saying no and wanting to leave; Nur dismissed with “Yeah, yeah, in a minute.”
- Victim escaped, leaving phone behind, suffered nosebleed while running, and reported to police who arrested Nur nearby.
- Nur initially denied contact but changed plea to guilty after forensic evidence (victim’s DNA on Nur) and CCTV review.
- Investigating officer DC Liberty Knox praised victim’s bravery and investigative work.
- Judge Paul Hobson described Nur as predatory, targeting intoxicated victim from the outset, no remorse shown; issued indefinite restraining order.
- Defence by Adam Sharp noted first prison term, no prior similar convictions (two unrelated from 2019), but judge called initial denial “deliberately untruthful.”
- South Wales Police encourage survivors to come forward, offering support services and dignified treatment.
- Police emphasise difficulty in reporting sexual offences and availability of help.
Cardiff, South Wales Police (The Wales Times) January 23, 2026 – Yusuf Nur, 47, of Tyndall Street in Cardiff, has been jailed for 10 years with a six-year extension period after pleading guilty to raping and attempting to rape a 19-year-old transgender man in the city centre.
The sentencing took place at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, 23 January 2026, following Nur’s guilty pleas entered on 15 September 2025 to one count of rape and one count of attempted rape. The court heard details of the predatory attack that unfolded in the early hours of 17 August 2025, when the victim, out socialising, became separated from friends and vulnerable on the streets.
What Happened on the Night of the Attack?
The incident began around 5.20am on Kingsway in Cardiff’s bustling city centre, though earlier interactions set the stage for the assault. As reported in WalesOnline, the 19-year-old victim, who was intoxicated, had been sitting on a bench on nearby Queen Street when Nur, carrying a backpack with cans of lager, sat beside him and struck up conversation.
Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett, as detailed in WalesOnline coverage, told the court that Nur inquired about the victim’s gender. The victim explained he identified as male but had a female body and had not undergone surgery. Bennett stated: “The defendant obviously [was] checking to see if potential victim had a vagina, indicating a degree of planning.”
Nur offered the victim more drinks despite his intoxication, then kissed and sexually touched him, placing a hand under clothing to touch the genital area. The pair moved to a secluded green space in Cardiff Castle gardens, where Nur removed both their trousers and underwear, escalating to what Bennett described as “effectively raping them orally.” The victim made clear he did not consent, repeatedly asking Nur to stop and to let him return to friends, but Nur replied dismissively: “Yeah, yeah, in a minute.”
In distress, the victim escaped, stumbling and sustaining a nosebleed, forgetting his phone in haste. He flagged down patrolling officers on Kingsway and reported the rape that had just occurred.
How Was Yusuf Nur Caught and Convicted?
Officers swiftly located, arrested, and charged Nur nearby. Initially, Nur denied any contact with the victim, as noted in the South Wales Police statement relayed via Hits Radio and Facebook posts by Sex Crimes UK & Worldwide.
However, extensive police work, including forensic analysis and CCTV review, led Nur to change his plea to guilty. Victim’s DNA was found on Nur, prompting the shift after an initial not guilty plea at a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Investigating officer DC Liberty Knox, in a statement from South Wales Police published on Hits Radio and echoed in multiple outlets, commended the investigation: “The bravery it takes to come forward and reporting an offence like this [is] not to be underestimated, and I hope knowing Nur has been held accountable helps the healing journey to come for the victim.” Knox added: “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.”
What Did the Court Hear About the Sentencing?
Judge Paul Hobson, during sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, asserted that Nur intended to sexually assault the victim “from the outset,” as reported by WalesOnline. The judge noted Nur targeted the intoxicated youth, offered more drink, followed with kissing and touching under clothing to confirm female sexual organs, then isolated him in the castle grounds.
Hobson remarked: “It was a deliberately untruthful act; you did not need forensic evidence to tell you had committed those offenses.” He highlighted no genuine remorse from Nur, describing him as “a very [high] risk to the public,” and imposed 10 years’ custody plus six years on extended licence, alongside an indefinite restraining order.
Defence barrister Adam Sharp, per WalesOnline, argued it was Nur’s first prison sentence with no prior convictions for similar offences—only two unrelated matters from 2019. The judge rejected mitigation, emphasising the predatory nature.
Who Is the Victim and What Support Is Available?
The victim is a 19-year-old transgender man who showed remarkable courage in reporting promptly, as praised across sources including South Wales Police statements. Details of his precise identity remain protected, in line with court reporting restrictions.
South Wales Police, in their official release via Hits Radio and social media, recognise “how difficult it can be for survivors of sexual abuse to report such offences and encourage anyone who has experienced such harm to reach out for help.” A spokesperson stated: “There is a wealth of information and details of support services available for survivors who may not yet feel ready to report to police.” They affirmed: “Victims will be treated with dignity, respect, and will receive support throughout the judicial process if they choose to come forward.”
Why Did Nur Target This Victim?
Court proceedings revealed Nur’s specific interest in the victim’s anatomy, questioning gender and surgery status early, as per Ieuan Bennett’s prosecution in WalesOnline. Judge Hobson confirmed this showed planning and predation on vulnerability—intoxication and solitude—rather than chance encounter.
Facebook updates from Wales Updates and Sex Crimes UK & Worldwide echoed the transgender aspect, noting Nur “engaged his victim in conversation, specifically questioning their gender identity.”
What Is the Broader Context of Such Cases in Cardiff?
While this case stands alone, Cardiff has seen similar high-profile sexual offence prosecutions, underscoring police vigilance. South Wales Police’s rapid response here mirrors commitments in other incidents, like appeals after attempted rapes in Sophia Gardens.
The force’s emphasis on forensics and CCTV aligns with successes in cold cases, though unrelated, highlighting investigative prowess.
How Does This Sentencing Impact Public Safety?
The 10-year term plus six-year extension aims to protect the public, as Judge Hobson deemed Nur high-risk. The restraining order further safeguards the victim indefinitely.
Police statements reinforce deterrence: holding offenders accountable aids survivor healing and signals zero tolerance. This case exemplifies how prompt reporting and thorough probes yield justice swiftly.
