UMER SAJJAD AND SHOCKING RAPE IN BIRMINGHAM
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Umer Sajjad, a 24-year-old man from Birmingham, was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman during her sleep at a hotel in Cardiff.The incident, which unfolded in 2019, involved Sajjad taking advantage of the victim while she was in an incapacitated state after consuming a significant amount of alcohol.
The incident reportedly took place at the Village Hotel in Cardiff city centre.
According to court proceedings, Sajjad had spent the evening out in Cardiff’s city centre before returning to the hotel with the victim.
It was established during the trial that Sajjad initially agreed to sleep on the floor of the hotel room, but later in the night, he moved into the same bed as the victim and committed the assault while she was unconscious.
The victim awoke to find Sajjad engaged in sexual acts with her, and upon questioning him about his actions, he ceased and offered an apology.
During the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Sajjad justified his behavior by claiming that he had drunk alcohol for the first time in his life on that night, citing his religious beliefs as the reason he had not previously consumed alcohol.
He suggested that this recent experience could have disinhibited him, leading to his inappropriate conduct.
Sajjad admitted to pulling at her clothing and engaging in non-consensual vaginal penetration, despite her lack of awareness or consent at the time.
The presiding judge, Recorder Dyfed Thomas, emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, "She was asleep, could not have consented, and did not consent." The court heard that after the victim woke up and confronted Sajjad, he immediately stopped the assault.
The victim later left the room to the bathroom and subsequently confided in a friend about what had transpired.
Her account led to the police being contacted and Sajjad’s subsequent arrest.
Umer Sajjad, of Gillott Road in Birmingham, initially denied the offences but was found guilty of rape by a jury following a trial earlier this year at Cardiff Crown Court.
Throughout the proceedings, it was acknowledged that Sajjad had maintained a record of good character prior to this incident.
In her victim personal statement, the woman described the profound psychological and emotional toll that the assault had taken on her.
She said, "The day I was raped destroyed me in so many ways and I don't think I will ever understand...
He ruined my life by lying and pretending I would have consented.
How could I when I was asleep?
He's ruined my life and my children's lives as they will never get the old me back.
I'll never understand why he did this to me...." She added that she continues to suffer from emotional pain and feelings of violation, stating, "I still cry as though it happened yesterday.
I felt violated and will never forget what happened no matter how much support I get....
I feel like I died inside after being raped.
Every day is a constant struggle but I owe it to myself and my family to come out the other end now justice has been served." Defence lawyer Stephen Tettey argued that Sajjad’s actions were influenced by a lack of maturity, especially given his decision to engage in sexual activity under the influence of alcohol during intoxication.
He highlighted Sajjad’s previously unblemished character and noted that no incidents had occurred since this event.
The judge, Recorder Dyfed Thomas, condemned Sajjad’s conduct, describing it as taking advantage of a vulnerable young woman while she was unconscious and possibly under the influence of alcohol and substances.
He remarked, "You committed this offence by taking advantage of a young woman while she was asleep and may have been feeling the effects of the night before.
She was clearly asleep..." In sentencing, Sajjad received a prison term of six years and six months.
He is expected to serve approximately two-thirds of this sentence before being eligible for release on parole.
Additionally, he has been ordered to comply with indefinite sex offender notification requirements, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the community.
