Former Newport councillor and convicted paedophile Abdul-Majid Rahman, 37, was found guilty of sexually assaulting two young girls, with the youngest victim being just four years old at the time of the attacks. The abuse inflicted by Rahman has had a lasting impact on his victims, with one of them describing how it left her feeling “ruined.” Rahman, who served as a Welsh Labour councillor for Newport council’s Victoria ward from 2012 to 2021, resigned for “personal reasons” before his conviction.
In 2022, Rahman was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison after admitting to possessing and distributing indecent images of children as young as 10 being raped. Earlier this year, Rahman was found guilty of sexually assaulting a girl under 13 by touching and indecently assaulting a girl under 14, following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on another count of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration, which Rahman had denied.
During the sentencing hearing, details emerged that Rahman had indecently assaulted the first victim when he was between the ages of 12 and 14 by touching her genitals over her clothing. The second victim was sexually assaulted by Rahman when he was between 18 and 20 years old by exposing himself and making her touch him. The emotional impact of the abuse was evident as the victims shared their experiences in court, revealing the long-lasting trauma and distrust it instilled in them.
The first victim spoke about the deep emotional scars left by Rahman’s actions, expressing her struggles with trust and fear for her own children’s safety. The revelation of the abuse later in life had a disorienting effect on her, causing immense emotional turmoil. Similarly, the second victim recounted how the abuse had completely shattered her sense of innocence and robbed her of happiness, leading to profound emotional and psychological distress that continues to affect her daily life.
Rahman’s victims displayed immense courage in facing their abuser in court and sharing the profound impact of his actions on their lives. Despite Rahman’s denial of any sexual interest in children, Judge Paul Hobson highlighted the severe psychological harm he had caused to his victims and their families. Rahman was sentenced to four years in prison, with an extended licence period of four years, along with other requirements including sex offender notification and a restraining order.
In mitigation, Rahman’s lawyer mentioned his client’s participation in rehabilitative work during his previous custodial sentence and his completion of the Horizon programme. The judge, however, emphasised the long-standing nature of Rahman’s sexual interest in children and the lasting consequences of his actions on the victims. Rahman, residing in Bryn Road, Cefn Fforest, Blackwood, will serve a minimum term before being eligible for parole, with ongoing monitoring as a registered sex offender.
The case of Abdul-Majid Rahman serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of sexual abuse on victims and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. Despite the emotional toll of the court process, the bravery of the victims in speaking out against their abuser highlights the resilience and strength of survivors in seeking justice and closure. The sentencing of Rahman sends a strong message about the gravity of such offences and the need to ensure accountability and protection for vulnerable individuals in society.