Sex attacker tracked down and sentenced after TV appeal
Fawaz Alsamaou, from Huddersfield, jailed after woman sexually assaulted in Cardiff
Last updated 31st Oct 2025
A West Yorkshire man who sexually assaulted a woman in Cardiff has been jailed.
Fawaz Alsamaou, 33, from Huddersfield, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court.
His victim had been walking from the city centre early on the morning of Sunday, May 12, when she became aware of a man walking behind her.
She was sexually assaulted under the railway bridge close to Senghenydd Hall.
Alsamaou was identified as a suspect following a CCTV appeal for information on the Crimewatch TV show.
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 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.”