A former Newport city councillor, Abdul-Majid Rahman, has been found guilty of child sex offences after a jury at Cardiff Crown Court found him guilty of assaulting two underage girls. Rahman, 36, denied the charges of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching and indecent assault on a girl under 14. The jury reached their verdict on Wednesday, February 18. The jury, however, could not come to a decision on a further count of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration. This particular count, also denied by Rahman, was discharged as a result. Rahman, residing at Bryn Road, Cefn Fforest, Blackwood, was remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced on March 18, 2025. Before his conviction for these offences, Rahman was a Welsh Labour councillor at Newport City Council, representing the Victoria ward from 2012 until his resignation on October 13, 2021, for what he cited as “personal reasons.” His past criminal record includes a conviction in June 2022, where Rahman, at the age of 34, was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing and sharing indecent images of children at an address on Corporation Road, Newport.
Upon hearing about Rahman’s recent guilty verdicts, a spokesperson from the Newport City Council stated that the council “condemns” such behaviour. The spokesperson clarified that Rahman’s charges in 2025, as well as in 2022, were unrelated to his previous public role. However, the council strongly disapproves of any individual engaging in such activities and collaborates with law enforcement to combat exploitation and abuse in all its forms. When reached for comment, the Welsh Labour party remains yet to respond to the situation. This sentencing adds to a string of criminal activities Rahman has been involved in, depicting a troubling pattern of behaviour over the years. This development has raised concerns within the community about the individuals entrusted with public service roles and the need for more stringent vetting procedures and accountability measures. Such cases highlight the importance of not only addressing criminal acts but also implementing preventive measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals from potential harm.
In response to Rahman’s repeated charges and convictions, the public must reflect on the significant impact these actions have on the victims and their families. The legal system plays a crucial role in ensuring justice is served and holding perpetrators accountable for their deeds. While Rahman served as a city councillor, his subsequent criminal activities have tarnished his reputation and highlight the responsibility public officials carry in upholding the law and serving as role models within the community. Moving forward, it is essential for authorities to address any systemic failures that may have allowed Rahman to continue his harmful behaviour unchecked. By learning from such cases, society can work towards creating a safer environment for all individuals, especially vulnerable members such as children and teenagers who require special protection and care.
The verdict against Rahman serves as a reminder of the need for increased vigilance and transparency in public service roles, ensuring individuals with a history of criminal behaviour are not granted positions of authority where they can potentially harm others. As the legal proceedings continue and Rahman awaits sentencing, the community must remain vigilant and vocal against any form of exploitation or abuse, standing united in support of the victims affected by such egregious acts. The consequences of such offences extend beyond the courtroom, impacting the lives of those directly involved and underscoring the importance of prioritising the well-being and safety of all individuals, particularly vulnerable members of society.