Ali Namjo, a 36-year-old man from Swansea, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 10. The sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday heard that Namjo denied the charges and forced the victim and her mother to give evidence at trial, compounding their ordeal.
Details of the Abuse
The court heard that Namjo sexually assaulted the girl on multiple occasions and attempted to kiss her 'with tongues'. One assault occurred in a woodland area in Cardiff. The abuse came to light after Namjo assaulted a woman, prompting police involvement. He was convicted by a jury of two counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, and assault by beating.
Victim Impact Statements
In a statement read to the court, the victim's mother described the devastating impact on her daughter, who was once 'bubbly, outgoing, and confident' but has become 'a shell of what she was'. The girl now suffers from night terrors and fears that Namjo is watching her through her TV screen. The mother said her world felt 'shattered into a million pieces'. The girl's own statement, read by her mother, said Namjo 'ruined her life' and made her feel 'disgusting'. She added: 'I hate him more than I hate red peppers and vegetables.'
Sentencing and Judge's Remarks
Judge Shomon Khan imposed an extended sentence of 16 years, comprising 15 years in custody and a one-year extended licence period, classifying Namjo as an offender of particular concern. The judge stated that Namjo caused 'serious psychological harm' to his young victim. Namjo refused to attend the sentencing hearing and did not hear the statements read in court.
Additional Offences
Namjo also pleaded guilty to obstructing an engine or carriage on the railways under the Malicious Damage Act 1861, after he ran from police in the Wentloog area of Cardiff in June 2024 and hid in bushes near railway tracks. Services were halted, causing delays costing £45,000. He has previous convictions for affray, common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and breaching restraining orders.
Defence and Parole
Thomas Stanway, defending, noted that Namjo's pre-sentence report detailed a difficult life in Iran before coming to the UK, and that he had no previous sexual offences. Namjo can apply for release after serving two-thirds of the custodial term, but the Parole Board will decide. He will be a registered sex offender for life.
