Bute Park rapist sentenced

A 20-year-old man who raped a woman who had asked for directions has been sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court.

Tyler Higgins walked with the woman, suggesting a short cut through Bute Park in Cardiff city centre in the early hours of the morning. He then grabbed her by the neck and forced her to the ground before sexually assaulting her.

When initially questioned by the police Higgins denied he was responsible, but after being confronted with the DNA evidence he admitted he had lied and was the attacker.

Lucy Dowdall of the CPS said: “Rape is a devastating crime which the CPS is committed to tackling.

“The thorough investigation conducted enabled the CPS to build a strong case including identification and forensic evidence, which resulted in a guilty plea.

“We hope the conclusion of the case will help the victim with her healing process.”

The sentence hearing took place on 4 October 2021, when Tyler Higgins was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment with an extended five-year licence, and ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.