Three men have been sentenced to a total of 30 years for their involvement in the violent robbery of a man, resulting in the victim tragically losing an eye. The assault occurred in Cardiff Bay in May 2022, when the 45-year-old victim, who was vulnerable due to alcohol, was lured into Louisa Place by Abdul Ismail, Mubarak Yusuf, and Thierno Dilallo.
Detective Constable Eleri Powell from South Wales Police explained that the victim was targeted for what the assailants believed was a genuine Rolex watch. During the attack, the victim was assaulted with a glass bottle, and despite the best medical efforts, his eye could not be saved and required surgical removal.
After the attack, Ismail filmed himself with the stolen watch and shared images on Snapchat, which were later found on his mobile phone. Following the incident, a local resident alerted the authorities after discovering the injured victim and helping him reconnect with his friends.
An extensive investigation, including a review of CCTV footage, led to the identification of Dilallo, Ismail, and Yusuf. While Ismail and Yusuf were arrested within a month, Dilallo fled the country but was apprehended upon his return to the UK.
In January 2024, all three men were convicted of grievous bodily harm and robbery at Cardiff Crown Court. On May 13, they were sentenced to 10 years each: Thierno Dilallo and Abdul Ismail at a Youth Offender Institution, and Mubarak Yusuf to 10 years’ imprisonment.
