Bangladeshi migrant sentenced to psychiatric hospital detention after attempting to kidnap two children

Dan McDonald
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:54:43 +0000

A Bangladeshi migrant who tried to abduct two young children from a Cardiff park has been ordered to remain in a secure psychiatric hospital indefinitely.

Moynul Janu, 35, pleaded guilty in March to three counts of attempted child abduction over incidents in July 2025.

Merthyr Crown Court heard Janu approached a four-year-old girl at a splash pad in Victoria Park, Cardiff, before touching his leg against hers.

Her mother quickly pulled her away and warned another parent whose 16-month-old daughter was nearby.

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Janu then positioned himself between the two women and declared he was "grabbing the kids".

He seized both children by the arms before the mothers intervened, blocking him and shouting.

He released the children and walked away, tapping the older girl on the head before speaking into a smartwatch.

The court heard that Janu claimed he was homeless in the UK but looking for work, and had a wife and children in Bangladesh.

Despite being detained at the scene, police drove him to Cardiff city centre and released him.

The court was told both mothers have suffered lasting trauma.

"I am still shocked and astonished that someone could think he could take a child like that," one mother said.

Her daughter, who has disabilities, now wakes screaming at night, fearing Janu is "coming to get me".

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She described the emotional toll as "unimaginable".

"I feel angry that someone who would harm children was in the park to begin with," she added.

The second mother said she had gone to the park to manage anxiety about leaving home.

"On that day I went out to the park with my daughter convincing myself there was nothing to worry about but then a strange man tried to take my child in front of me," she said.

She is now "too scared" to be alone at home with her children and suffers intrusive thoughts about Janu having weapons or gang links.

The day after the incident, Janu appeared at a nursery in Pencoed, Bridgend.

A staff member became alarmed when he advanced towards her and managed to retreat inside as the doors locked automatically.

Janu then tried to gain entry by pressing buttons and attempting to guess the access code, with 17 children inside.

Defence barrister Andrew Kendall said Janu was suffering from bipolar affective disorder at the time.

"He was a man who at the time of this incident was clearly very unwell," he said.

The court heard Janu has a complex mental health history and no previous convictions.

He was initially held at HMP Cardiff before being transferred to a secure psychiatric hospital in England.

Judge Richard Kember, citing evidence from two medical experts, ruled Janu must remain detained until he is safe to be released.

He was given a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act.