A man who raped two women ten years apart has been jailed for 20 years. Najat Ismail, 53, of Constant Close in Grangetown, Cardiff, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after a jury convicted him of rape. The judge described him as a “dangerous offender” who poses a high risk of serious harm to the public, particularly adult females.
Details of the offences
Ismail raped his first victim on nine occasions in 2015, during which she “cried and pleaded” with him. The court heard she suffers “constant flashbacks” and now gets food delivered to avoid interactions, finding it hard to trust new people. The second victim was raped in 2025, after which Ismail was reported to police.
Ismail continues to deny the charges, claiming the sexual activity was consensual. The court heard a pre-sentence report records his denial and maintains that claim.
Victim impact statements
A statement read on behalf of the first victim described her ongoing trauma: “I don’t like going out. I get food deliveries to avoid any interactions. I find it hard to trust new people and don’t really speak to anyone anymore. I have lost friends due to this incident.” She added, “I have been to the doctors due to feeling more depressed, it all got too much with constant flashbacks.”
The second victim’s statement revealed she changed jobs and moved out of the area out of fear. “Even after he was arrested and kept in prison, I have felt vulnerable and intimidated,” she said. “I have had panic attacks and bad dreams that he will find us. I have lived in fear and in survival mode.”
Sentencing and reaction
David Elias KC, representing Ismail, noted his employment history and family bereavements, adding that he has been “engaged in educational activity whilst in custody and has been using his time to better himself.”
Her Honour Judge Vanessa Francis said: “Rape is amongst the gravest offences known to criminal law. It is a profound violation of bodily integrity, personal dignity and sexual autonomy.” She agreed with the pre-sentence report’s assessment that Ismail presents a high risk of serious harm to the public.
Ismail was jailed for 20 years with an additional extended licence period of five years. A restraining order prevents him from contacting his victims for ten years.
