Amanuele Mebrahtu

Amanuele Mebrahtu, a 28-year-old Uber driver residing in Canton, Cardiff, was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting two women in the city. The assaults occurred in October and December 2024, targeting lone female passengers who had trusted him for safe transport home.

The first incident took place in October 2024, when Mebrahtu drove one victim back to her home from Cardiff city centre. Upon arrival, he asked her for a hug, which escalated into a sexual assault by penetration. Despite the victim's distress, Mebrahtu denied any involvement. The second assault happened in December 2024, involving another woman whom he offered to carry piggyback down some stairs, leading to sexual assault by touching. CCTV footage captured Mebrahtu's movements on foot and in his vehicle from the city centre to Cathays, corroborated by location data from the taxi app on his phone, which provided second-by-second tracking matching the suspect's path.

Forensic evidence further linked Mebrahtu to the first victim through DNA found on her dress. Despite this overwhelming evidence, he continued to deny responsibility for both attacks. The case was investigated by South Wales Police, with Detective Constable Shane Coombes leading the inquiry. An extensive CCTV trawl was conducted to identify the perpetrator, highlighting the thoroughness of the police work.

Mebrahtu was tried at Newport Crown Court, where he was found guilty on 4 November 2025 of sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching. Sentencing occurred at Cardiff Crown Court on the same day, with Judge [name not specified] imposing the custodial term, along with an extended licence period of three years. Additionally, Mebrahtu was subjected to indefinite sex offender notification requirements and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to protect the public from further harm.

Detective Constable Shane Coombes from South Wales Police commended the victims' bravery, stating: “I want to commend the victims for their bravery and the courage in coming forward, sharing what had happened, and supporting the investigation. I hope that the outcome at court brings them some comfort that the offender has been brought to justice and that their bravery has helped protect the wider public from harm. A dangerous predator is now rightfully off our streets.” The police emphasised their commitment to supporting survivors of sexual abuse throughout the judicial process.