In a shocking case of obsession turned violent, aspiring soldier Saman Ismail was sentenced to six years in a young offenders’ institution. After fleeing Syria for safety in the UK, Ismail’s dreams of joining His Majesty’s armed forces have been shattered by his actions.
The court heard disturbing details of how Ismail’s relationship with his ex spiraled out of control. After their break-up in July 2024, what followed was a six-week nightmare for the woman. Ismail’s jealousy led to a brutal physical assault after discovering messages on her phone. He not only shoved her but also repeatedly slapped and headbutted her, causing significant distress.
But the torment didn’t stop there. Ismail incessantly stalked her with unwanted messages, surprise gifts, and unwelcome visits to her home and workplace, leaving her stressed and fearful.
The chaos reached its peak when Ismail violently attacked a man he suspected of being his ex’s new partner. This late-night frenzy on Swansea’s Wind Street saw Ismail punching the man repeatedly, even holding an unknown object, and causing severe facial injuries.
Despite having no prior convictions, the court recognised a continuous pattern of obsessive and violent behaviour. Arguments that Ismail’s actions were part of a single course of conduct did little to sway Judge Catherine Richards. She condemned his actions, describing his behaviour as driven by “jealousy and rage.”
Ismail’s sentence reflects the gravity of his offences: 18 months for assault causing actual bodily harm, six months for stalking, and four years for grievous bodily harm with intent, all running consecutively. He will serve up to half in custody before likely release to serve the rest in the community. It’s a stark reminder of how devastating and far-reaching the consequences of unchecked obsession can be.