BRAHAM SERAIE AND SHOCKING STALKING INCIDENTS IN CARDIFF
Staff members working at a coffee shop in Cardiff found themselves subjected to a disturbing and frightening ordeal caused by a persistent stalker.The individual, later identified as Braham Seraie, 49, repeatedly made sexually inappropriate remarks within the premises and followed the employees after their shifts concluded, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
The incident unfolded at a Caffé Nero location in Cardiff, where Seraie was known to be a regular customer.
Despite warnings from colleagues about his troubling behavior, he continued to target specific staff members.
His actions escalated over time, with reports indicating that he began to specifically request to be served by a particular female employee.
Once he gained her attention, he would make unwelcome comments about her appearance, engage in flirtatious behavior, and attempt to provoke jealousy in her partner when he was present in the shop.
During a court hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was detailed that Seraie’s attention towards the first victim grew increasingly intense.
He went as far as asking her to accompany him to Greece, an invitation that was clearly inappropriate and unwelcome.
Additionally, he invited himself to drinks with her friends and inquired about her plans for the weekend.
When he discovered that her birthday was approaching, Seraie bought her jewelry and discreetly placed it in her locker, further demonstrating his obsessive behavior.
His harassment did not cease at the workplace; he followed her outside and trailed her to a bus stop, intensifying the sense of threat.
The second victim also fell prey to Seraie’s inappropriate conduct.
He made lewd comments about her and behaved in a manner that was clearly unacceptable.
When she confronted him about his behavior, she called him a "weirdo," to which he responded, "I'm just trying to put a smile on your face." His persistence continued as he asked her to come outside the shop and repeatedly requested her phone number.
On one occasion, when she took a break in a staff area, he followed her upstairs, knocked on the staff door, and again asked for her contact details.
His disturbing actions culminated when he waited outside the women’s toilets and asked her to go in with him, a request she refused.
The second victim later described feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and stress due to his actions, leading both women to leave their jobs for their safety.
Braham Seraie, who resides on Hannah Street in Butetown, was arrested following these incidents.
He was subsequently convicted of two counts of stalking.
Court records revealed that Seraie had prior convictions for sexual assault and harassment, and he had been under a sex offender notification requirement for ten years.
Despite his guilty verdict, Seraie chose not to attend his sentencing hearing, which was held in his absence.
He also did not participate in his trial, as he was unrepresented, meaning no mitigation or defense was presented on his behalf.
During the sentencing, Recorder Alun Eynon-Evans noted that Seraie continued to deny the allegations and referred to the victims as "liars" during his interview with probation officers.
The court also heard that Seraie claimed to be suffering from PTSD, asserting that he had served in the army in Algeria, although the court found this claim to be questionable.
Despite this, the judge stated he would give Seraie "the benefit of the doubt." Ultimately, Seraie was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Additionally, he was subjected to restraining orders that will remain in effect for five years, prohibiting him from contacting or approaching the victims.
The case highlights the serious nature of stalking and harassment, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals from such invasive and distressing behavior in public and workplace settings in Cardiff.
