DALE EDEY FROM PENTWYN, CARDIFF, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BUTE PARK
In July 2023, Dale Edey, a resident of Pentwyn in Cardiff, was formally sentenced for a disturbing sexual assault that took place in Bute Park, a well-known public space in Cardiff.The incident, which occurred early in the morning, left a lasting impact on the victim and drew significant attention from local authorities and the community alike.
According to court reports, the assault happened around 6:30 am on August 31 of the previous year.
The victim, a woman out for her morning walk, was approached by Edey, who initially pretended to be searching for a lost dog.
His seemingly innocent inquiry was a ruse that led to a violent and traumatic encounter.
Prosecutors detailed how Edey, 38 years old at the time, suddenly wrapped his arms around her, forcibly kissed her neck, and then attempted to drag her towards a secluded part of the park, away from the public eye.
The woman, terrified and fighting for her safety, screamed loudly in an effort to attract attention.
Despite her protests and resistance, Edey pinned her to the ground, trying to pull her towards nearby bushes and hedges.
During the struggle, she struck her head against gym equipment located in the park, adding to her injuries.
Edey’s assault included attempts to remove her clothing, with him grabbing at her jogging bottoms and trying to pull them down.
Throughout the ordeal, the victim continued to scream and plead for help, with Edey responding with threats, telling her to shut up or he would kill her.
Eventually, Edey ceased his attack and fled the scene.
The victim managed to reach the Blackweir entrance of Bute Park, where a passerby stopped to assist her.
Emergency services were called, and police launched an investigation.
The park was temporarily closed to facilitate forensic examinations, including analysis of the victim’s clothing.
DNA evidence collected from the waistband of her jogging bottoms was later matched to Edey, linking him directly to the assault.
Following his arrest on September 19, Edey denied the charges and chose not to comment during police questioning.
However, he later pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and committing an offence with the intent to commit a relevant sexual offence.
It was revealed during court proceedings that Edey had a lengthy criminal history, with 31 previous convictions, notably including assault by beating.
During the sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke addressed Edey’s refusal to attend the court in person, noting that he had refused to leave his cell for two consecutive days.
As a result, the judge sentenced him in his absence.
The court heard how Edey’s actions caused severe psychological harm to the victim, who provided a heartfelt victim personal statement.
She described suffering from anxiety, nightmares, and emotional distress since the attack.
She recounted how her confidence and ability to interact with strangers had been profoundly affected, and how her physical injuries initially caused pain and discomfort.
Judge Lloyd-Clarke sentenced Edey to four years and eleven months in prison, with an extended three-year period on licence.
He will serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
Additionally, Edey was subjected to sex offender notification requirements, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.
The victim’s statement underscored the lasting impact of the assault, emphasizing her ongoing struggles with mental health and her fear of being alone or in public spaces.
Her ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect citizens from such heinous acts in Cardiff and beyond.
