20-year-old man receives 15-year extended sentence for rape of woman in Bute Park

A man has received a 15-year extended sentence for raping a woman in Bute Park, Cardiff.

Tyler Higgins, 20, admitted two counts of rape committed during the early hours of July 15, 2021.

The victim has described experiencing ‘constant visions’ and suffering nightmares as a result of his actions.

Higgins, from Cathays, Cardiff, came across the woman while she was lost walking from Cathays back to a hotel in the city centre.

He offered to show her the way but instead led her into Bute Park where he carried out the violent attack.

Higgins was identified as a result of a media appeal for information and arrested within 48 hours of the incident.

Sentencing Higgins at Cardiff Crown Court today, the judge commended the ‘quality and speed’ of the South Wales Police investigation.

Detective Inspector Grant Wilson, from South Wales Police, said: “Stranger attacks such as these are extremely unusual in Cardiff but in Tyler Higgins we had a dangerous individual.

“He was out during the early hours of the morning with no good reason and took advantage of a lone, trusting female.”

Officers carried out an extensive trawl of CCTV and an image of the suspect was released the next day as part of a public appeal for information.

Higgins was identified and arrested.

While he was interviewed, forensic evidence was fast-tracked and the victim bravely provided specially-trained officers with an account of what happened.

Despite Higgins’ attempt to destroy evidence by washing his clothing, the evidence was overwhelming and he pleaded guilty.

“From the minute this was reported, we were absolutely 100 per cent committed to identifying the person responsible and bringing him to justice,” said DI Wilson.

“That has now been done and we hope today’s sentencing brings some sense of closure and allows the woman to regain her confidence, continue with her studies and achieve all her ambitions.

“This investigation reflects our commitment to protecting women from violence, and to keeping our capital safe.

“We wish to thank those witnesses who supported the victim during the early hours of the July 15 and our investigation.”

South Wales Police takes all reports of sexual assault seriously and urges victims to come forward to report it, regardless of when it happened, safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with respect and dignity and that their allegation will be fully investigated.

Higgins was sentenced to a 15-year extended sentence comprising of 10 years in custody and an extended five-year licence period.