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Men charged with attempted rapes near Cardiff University Men charged with attempted rapes near Cardiff University
(about 3 hours later)
Two men have been charged with sexual offences after a series of attacks on young women in the vicinity of Cardiff University.Two men have been charged with sexual offences after a series of attacks on young women in the vicinity of Cardiff University.
Khalid Alahmadi, 23, from Cardiff, was to appear before the city’s magistrates on Monday accused of the attempted rape of a 19-year-old woman. The alleged attack took place in Gorsedd Gardens at 4.30am on 24 September, close to the university’s main building and the National Museum Cardiff.
On Saturday, Remus Hamza, 40, from the Riverside area of Cardiff, appeared before magistrates accused of raping a 20-year-old woman, also close to the main building, in the early hours of 20 September. He was remanded in custody to appear at Cardiff crown court on 12 October. Student Khalid Alahmadi, 23, appeared before the city’s magistrates on Monday, accused of the attempted rape of a 19-year-old woman. The alleged attack took place in Gorsedd Gardens, close to the university’s main building and the National Museum Cardiff, at 4.30am on 24 September.
Alahmadi, who studies at the University of South Wales near Pontypridd, spoke only to confirm his identity. While he did not enter any plea, solicitor Neil Davies told the court his client would be contesting the charge.
Alahmadi, who lives in Cardiff, listened to proceedings via an interpreter before being remanded in custody. He will reappear at Cardiff crown court on 12 October.
On Saturday, Remus Hamza, 40, from the Riverside area of Cardiff, appeared before magistrates accused of raping a 20-year-old woman, also close to the main building, in the early hours of 20 September. He was remanded in custody and will return to Cardiff crown court on 12 October.
Police are continuing to investigate the two assaults and a third in which another 20-year-old woman was attacked at a house in the Cathays area of the city during the early hours of 22 September.Police are continuing to investigate the two assaults and a third in which another 20-year-old woman was attacked at a house in the Cathays area of the city during the early hours of 22 September.
The attacks, which took place during freshers’ week, prompted police and university officials to advise female students to walk in pairs. University security teams visited student residences to discuss personal safety.The attacks, which took place during freshers’ week, prompted police and university officials to advise female students to walk in pairs. University security teams visited student residences to discuss personal safety.
In a Facebook post, South Wales police, Cardiff University, South Wales University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff council said the incidents had “focused attention upon the safety of young women in our city”.In a Facebook post, South Wales police, Cardiff University, South Wales University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff council said the incidents had “focused attention upon the safety of young women in our city”.
They said extra buses were being run to get students back to their accommodation and officers were continuing with extra high-visibility patrols.They said extra buses were being run to get students back to their accommodation and officers were continuing with extra high-visibility patrols.
The divisional commander for Cardiff, Ch Supt Belinda Davies, said: “All reports of sexual assault are taken extremely seriously. Cardiff is a safe city and I want to keep it that way. I want to reassure local residents and the parents of young people who are coming to Cardiff, often away from home for the first time, that we will do all we can to help to keep people safe.The divisional commander for Cardiff, Ch Supt Belinda Davies, said: “All reports of sexual assault are taken extremely seriously. Cardiff is a safe city and I want to keep it that way. I want to reassure local residents and the parents of young people who are coming to Cardiff, often away from home for the first time, that we will do all we can to help to keep people safe.
“As our investigation continues we want people to be able to go out, enjoy themselves and feel safe in our capital city. Crimes like this are never the victims’ fault, but I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to follow basic safety advice so they keep themselves and their friends safe.“As our investigation continues we want people to be able to go out, enjoy themselves and feel safe in our capital city. Crimes like this are never the victims’ fault, but I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to follow basic safety advice so they keep themselves and their friends safe.
“Please stay together when you’re out at night, drink responsibly and make sure you all go home together. Always plan your journey home, book a reputable taxi firm, and if walking please keep to well-lit areas.”“Please stay together when you’re out at night, drink responsibly and make sure you all go home together. Always plan your journey home, book a reputable taxi firm, and if walking please keep to well-lit areas.”