Attempted Abduction at Cardiff Water Park
Moynul Janu, 34, of no fixed abode, has been sentenced to ongoing detention in a mental health facility following attempts to abduct two children from a water park in Cardiff.
On 3 July 2025, Janu was arrested outside the free-to-use "splash pad" located in Victoria Park, Cardiff.
Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard that during the incident at the park, Janu touched a child under the age of five on her leg before the child's mother intervened.
The children were playing in the water fountains when Janu approached one child, touched her leg with his leg, and placed his foot over the fountain.
The mother quickly grabbed her daughter and moved away towards another parent to explain what had occurred.
Janu followed them, positioned himself between the two women, and stated he was "grabbing the kids," taking hold of an arm of each child.
The two women shouted at him and blocked his actions.
The court was informed that Janu tapped one child on the head before moving away and appeared to speak into a smart watch.
When questioned by park staff, Janu denied taking photographs, claimed he did not have a phone, and said his smart watch was not charged.
He stated he was seeking employment, was married with children in Bangladesh, but was homeless in the UK.
Police were called, and Janu was removed from the park and taken to Cardiff City Centre, where he was subsequently released.
Incident at Bridgend Nursery
The following day, 4 July 2025, Janu was seen in the reception area of a nursery in Bridgend county, where 17 children were in care.
When approached by a staff member, he pushed past and attempted to access a locked area by inputting numbers on a keypad.
Lockdown procedures were initiated at the nursery, and Janu remained in the hallway and outside for approximately 15 minutes before leaving the premises.
Victim Impact Statements
In a victim impact statement, the mother of one of the children at Victoria Park expressed her belief that Janu
"would have taken her if he'd had the opportunity".
The mother of the other child stated:
"A strange man tried to take my child in front of me without registering what he was doing was wrong."
She added:
"I had been afraid this man would come and get my child from my own home."She also expressed concern that her increased anxiety might affect her child in the future.
Background and Sentencing
The court was informed that Moynul Janu has a history of mental illness.
