A 74-year-old man from Cardiff has received an extended sentence of 13 years at Merthyr Crown Court after being convicted by a jury of a rape committed more than two decades ago.
Sami Aharroud, of Splott, Cardiff, appeared for sentence on 12 October 2026 following a sensitive and detailed historic safeguarding inquiry led by South Wales Police.
The prosecution outlined that Aharroud carried out the penetrative sexual violation more than 20 years ago, leaving the female victim to endure decades of trauma. The offending remained concealed until 2022, when the survivor demonstrated significant fortitude by coming forward to police to provide a formal account of the historic assault.
Specialist safeguarding detectives investigated the disclosures, gathering witness accounts and evidential material that resulted in Aharroud being interviewed under caution and subsequently charged with rape.
Aharroud entered a plea of not guilty, forcing the survivor to give evidence during a contested Crown Court trial at Newport Crown Court in July 2026. Following deliberations, the jury rejected Aharroud’s defence and returned a unanimous guilty verdict for rape.
The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports and transferred to Merthyr Crown Court for final disposal on 12 October 2026. Passing sentence, the judge addressed the grave violation of the victim’s autonomy, the enduring psychological harm caused over decades of concealment, and the need for ongoing public protection.
The judge handed down a 13-year extended determinate sentence, consisting of 10 years’ immediate custody behind bars and an extended licence period of three years. Under statutory provisions for serious sexual offences, Aharroud will be required to serve at least two-thirds of the 10-year custodial term in prison before becoming eligible to apply for release on licence to the Parole Board.
To safeguard the survivor into the future, the court confirmed that Aharroud remains subject to an active restraining order barring any contact with her, alongside an active Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). The judge also ordered that Aharroud comply with mandatory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for life under the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and permanently barred him from regulated activity involving children or vulnerable adults.
Under the provisions of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, all complainants and victims connected to sexual offence proceedings are protected by automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any details, names, addresses, educational facilities, or photographs capable of leading to public identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Aharroud stood convicted of:
Rape
Sentencing outcome and statutory measures:
13-year extended determinate sentence (10 years’ immediate custody and three years extended licence)
Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)
Restraining order protecting the victim
Mandatory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for life under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
Permanent barring from working with children or vulnerable adults (Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists)
Strict post-custodial statutory licence supervision conditions enforceable upon release from custody
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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