Ashmeet Soni

Ashmeet Soni, a 28-year-old man from Cardiff, has been sentenced to a 10-year extended term following his conviction for a series of sexual assaults on three women in the Roath area of the city. The attacks occurred on 27 June, 4 July, and 5 July 2021, targeting vulnerable women in public streets, including one who was accompanied by her young children.

The incidents began with the first assault on 27 June 2021, when Soni approached and attacked a woman in a street in Roath. This was followed by a second assault on 4 July 2021, again in the same neighbourhood. The third and final attack took place on 5 July 2021, around 5pm on Newport Road, where a victim managed to take a photograph of the suspect on her mobile phone, providing crucial evidence. South Wales Police responded swiftly, flooding the area and arresting Soni within an hour based on the description and photo.

Detectives from South Wales Police conducted a thorough investigation, including analysis of CCTV footage to plot Soni's movements, ensuring a robust case was built. Despite denying all charges, Soni faced a week-long trial at Cardiff Crown Court in November 2021, where he was found guilty of seven counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration. Sentencing occurred on 25 January 2022, resulting in the 10-year extended sentence, which includes a custodial period and an extended licence for supervision post-release.

Detective Constable Gemma Richards from South Wales Police commented on the case: "Stranger attacks such as these are extremely unusual in Cardiff but in Ashmeet Soni we had an extremely dangerous individual. Everyone has the right to feel safe as they walk around our city and when incidents like this happen we do everything possible to catch those responsible." She further highlighted the devastating impact on the victims, noting their bravery throughout the ordeal and expressing hope that the sentence provides closure. This case underscores South Wales Police's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, a priority amid rising concerns over personal safety.

The assaults shocked the local community in Roath, Cardiff, emphasising the rarity yet severity of such random stranger attacks. The police's rapid response and use of victim-provided evidence were pivotal in apprehending Soni, demonstrating effective collaboration between victims and law enforcement.