Dale Edey of Pentwyn, Cardiff, has been jailed for a sexual assault in Bute Park

The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and committing an offence with the intention of committing a relevant sexual offence.

The incident happened at around 6.40am on Sunday, August 31 last year on the Taff Trail near the Blackweir Bridge.

A 32-year-old woman was walking through the park when she was grabbed and sexually assaulted by Edey.

He was arrested three weeks later after being identified through DNA evidence found on her jogging bottoms.

Edey initially denied the offences but pleaded guilty on the first day of the trial in June.

Detective Constable Simon Hicks said:

“This was a horrendous attack on a lone female in broad daylight.
“I would like to commend the courage and strength of the victim in coming forward, reporting what happened, and speaking so bravely about the terrible impact Edey’s actions have had on her.
“We hope the sentencing brings some sense of closure and allows her to regain her confidence and move on with her life.”

Edey was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Tuesday, July 11, to four years and 11 months imprisonment, and an extended three years on licence.

DC Hicks added:

“From the minute this was reported, we were absolutely 100 per cent committed to identifying the person responsible and bringing him to justice.
“The investigation involved countless hours of work from a team of detectives and police staff, and the strength of the evidence resulted in Edey pleading guilty.”

South Wales Police takes all reports of sexual assault seriously and urges victims to come forward to report it, regardless of when it happened, safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with respect and dignity and that their allegation will be fully investigated.

For more advice on rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences visit:https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/