Former Newport Councillor Jailed for Child Sex Offences

A former Welsh Labour councillor has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two young girls, with the youngest victim being just four years old at the time of the attack. 😔

Abdul-Majid Rahman, 37, who served as councillor for Newport council’s Victoria ward between 2012 and 2021, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday. This follows his previous conviction in 2022 when he was jailed for three years and eight months for possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

The court heard Rahman was between 12 and 14 years old when he committed the first offence, and between 18 and 20 when he sexually assaulted the second victim.

One victim bravely addressed the court, saying: “The journey has been long, painful and exhausting. It’s drained me in ways I can hardly describe but I know my voice matters. (The defendant’s) actions impacted me in countless ways.”

The second victim’s statement described the devastating impact: “How has this affected me? Ruined is the word, not affected, ruined. Such a big chapter in my life I feel I have had such filth hanging over my head.”

Judge Paul Hobson told Rahman: “You have caused severe psychological harm towards your victims. You have affected multiple facets of their lives which affects them still and those around them. (The victims) have shown great bravery…. You deny any sexual interest in children and minimise your offences but I come to the conclusion your sexual interest in children is long standing.”

Rahman, of Bryn Road, Cefn Fforest, Blackwood, received an extended sentence with four years imprisonment plus four years on licence. He will serve two-thirds of the custodial sentence before being considered for parole and is subject to sex offender notification requirements, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and an indefinite restraining order.

An NSPCC Cymru spokesperson said: “The two women, who Rahman sexually abused as young girls have shown great bravery in speaking out about their experiences, which they have had to live with the impact of for many years. Their courage has helped ensure Rahman was convicted and sentenced for his crimes.”

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111. Adults concerned about a child’s welfare can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. ⚖️