LIAM STIMPSON'S HORRIFIC RAPE IN CARDIFF: SHOCKING ATTACK LEAVES CITY IN DISTRESS
A man identified as Liam Stimpson has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years after being convicted of heinous sexual offenses that took place in Cardiff.The crimes involved the brutal rape of a homeless woman, an incident that not only shocked the local community but also drew widespread condemnation from law enforcement and the public alike.
Stimpson, aged 24 and a resident of Llanrumney, Cardiff, was found guilty on Thursday of two counts of rape and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.
The assault occurred on the night of December 27th last year, in the heart of Cardiff city centre, under circumstances that have left many in the city deeply disturbed.
The victim, a 40-year-old woman experiencing homelessness, was attacked under a bridge near Cardiff Central railway station during the early hours of the morning.
According to reports, Stimpson punched and kicked her before stripping her naked, then raping her twice.
During the assault, he recorded the attack on his mobile phone, capturing graphic footage that has been described by police as among the most disturbing they have encountered in their 21-year careers.
During the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, Judge Jeremy Jenkins condemned the attack as “gratuitous, repeated and sustained violence against a woman in no position to defend herself.” He further stated, “You completely humiliated her – you took the last ounce of dignity from her,” describing the assault as “bordering on sadistic.” In a statement read on her behalf, the victim expressed the profound impact the attack has had on her life.
She said, “It has changed my whole opinion of men,” and added, “I want this male to end up in prison for what he has done.
I worry about him doing this to another female.” She also shared her current emotional state, revealing that she is unable to socialize and prefers to isolate herself to cope with the trauma.
Rhianydd Jones from the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the severity of the case, emphasizing that it “highlights the extreme violence and disregard for human dignity exhibited by the defendant.” She expressed gratitude to the jury for their careful deliberation and thanked the victim for coming forward despite the trauma involved.
It was also revealed that Stimpson had previously been convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, a separate charge that underscores his history of violent behavior.
The police, led by Detective Inspector Katherine Barry of South Wales Police, described the footage of the rape as “the most shocking, heinous” they had encountered in her 21-year career.
She expressed her concern over the jury being exposed to such graphic material, stating, “It was sadistic, it was prolonged, this lady was humiliated, and it will stay with me for a very long time.” Det Insp Barry dismissed Stimpson’s defense, which claimed that the victim had suggested filming as part of role play, calling it “ludicrous.” She emphasized that anyone with a shred of humanity would recognize the footage as a depraved and brutal attack on a vulnerable woman.
She also noted that incidents like this are “exceptionally rare” in Cardiff city centre and hoped the sentence would encourage other victims of sexual offenses to report their experiences to the police.
During the trial, Stimpson denied the charges, claiming that the woman had suggested the filming as part of role play after he paid her for oral sex.
The assault took place under a bridge near Cardiff Central railway station, where the victim was repeatedly beaten and raped.
She begged her attacker to stop as she was stripped naked, and the videos recovered from Stimpson’s phone showed her with a swollen, bleeding face, her right eye swollen shut.
She pleaded, “Don’t beat me up baby, don’t beat me please.
I’ve got kids,” to which Stimpson responded, “I’ll tell you what to do.
I’m the boss.” Despite her pleas, Stimpson continued his assault, demanding she remove her coat despite the cold and wet conditions.
The victim managed to escape and ran into a nearby pub, where she told staff, “I’ve been raped.” The police discovered the videos on Stimpson’s phone, which he refused to unlock, although officers suspected his date of birth as the PIN.
Additionally, Stimpson admitted to possessing cannabis during the investigation.
The jury was visibly affected by the footage, many members of whom were in tears during the viewing.
Defense attorney Ruth Smith argued that Stimpson has neurodiverse disabilities, including ADHD and autism, which she claimed contributed to his behavior.
She also mentioned that Stimpson had been bullied in Parc Prison, Bridgend, and that his girlfriend is pregnant with his child.
As the court sentenced Stimpson, he was seen crying and rocking in the dock.
He refused to leave voluntarily and had to be carried out by court staff, marking a somber end to a case that has left a lasting scar on the community of Cardiff.
