Grangetown Stalker Zulfkar Ahmed Jailed for 10,000 Texts, Cardiff 2026

Key Points

• Zulfkar Ahmed, 67, of Grangetown, jailed for three years at Cardiff Crown Court on April 15, 2026.
• Convicted on two counts of stalking involving serious alarm/distress and one count of breaching a stalking prevention order.
• Previously pleaded not guilty; found guilty by jury after a four-day trial concluding on February 13, 2026.
• Stalked first victim (24 at start) from 2022 to 2025 after meeting at her café workplace; sent over 10,000 texts despite blocks.
• Stalked second victim (18 at start) from 2024 to 2025 after meeting at her workplace; attempted to learn shift patterns and followed her.
• Actions included regular workplace visits, spraying perfume on first victim, street approaches, unsolicited gifts, querying staff about second victim, and breaching order by social media follow.
• First known stalking protection order for a stranger stalking case in Cardiff and Vale area.
• South Wales Police investigation led by Detective Constable Poppy Gosling.

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) April 27, 2026 – Zulfkar Ahmed, a 67-year-old man from Grangetown, has been jailed for three years after a jury convicted him of stalking two young women and breaching a stalking prevention order, following a South Wales Police investigation.

The convictions stem from a four-day trial at Cardiff Crown Court that concluded on February 13, 2026, despite Ahmed’s earlier not guilty plea. He was sentenced on April 15, 2026.

What Happened in the Cardiff Stalking Case?

The court heard detailed accounts of Ahmed’s behaviour towards two victims, whom he first encountered as customers at their workplaces.

As reported in the official South Wales Police statement, the first victim, aged 24 at the time of initial contact, met Ahmed at a café where she worked. Initial chats led Ahmed to promise her a job opportunity.

After convincing her, she provided her phone number.

Early text exchanges remained cordial. However, the victim soon felt uncomfortable and ceased replying. Despite this, and even after she blocked him, Ahmed sent over 10,000 texts across three years, from 2022 to 2025.

Ahmed also visited her workplace regularly. He sprayed her with perfume, approached her in the street, and attempted to give her a purse, which she rejected. Additionally, he bought her a bag and instructed the store to contact her using her number for collection of the unsolicited gift.

How Did Ahmed Target the Second Victim?

The second victim, aged 18 when first approached in 2024, encountered Ahmed at her workplace. He initially requested help, then shifted to personal questions and offers to assist with her studies. He inquired about her shift patterns before she excused herself.

Ahmed persisted by visiting her workplace repeatedly. She retreated to staff-only areas to avoid him. He questioned other staff about her location.

On one occasion, when a staff member claimed she was not working, Ahmed challenged this by pointing out her car in the car park.

When managers confronted him about his conduct, Ahmed denied making any sexual remarks.

What Led to the Stalking Protection Order?

Following complaints, authorities imposed a stalking protection order on Ahmed. This measure is noted as the first for a stranger stalking case in the Cardiff and Vale area.

Ahmed breached this order by following one of the victims on social media.

What Did the Investigating Officer Say?

Detective Constable Poppy Gosling, the investigating officer from South Wales Police, commented on the case.

As stated by Detective Constable Poppy Gosling of South Wales Police: “Ahmed is a concerning man, who built up fantasies about his victims that left them fearful and vulnerable in both their places of work, and when out and about.

“I can only praise and thank the victims for their confidence in reporting his behaviour. I’m grateful for their patience throughout the legal proceedings and hope his time in prison will go some way in bringing them some peace.”

What Was the Trial and Sentencing Process?

Ahmed pleaded not guilty to the charges prior to the trial. The four-day proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court ended with a jury finding him guilty on February 13, 2026.

Sentencing occurred on April 15, 2026, resulting in a three-year jail term for the two stalking counts involving serious alarm or distress, and the breach of the prevention order.

The case was handled by South Wales Police, with court proceedings in Cardiff.

Background of the Development

The imposition of the stalking protection order marks a notable step in local law enforcement practices. It represents the first such order applied in a stranger stalking case within the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board area, as per South Wales Police records. Stalking protection orders, introduced under the Stalking Protection Act 2019 in England and Wales, allow police to intervene early without requiring a criminal conviction.

They prohibit suspects from contacting victims or entering specified areas. In this instance, the order followed workplace complaints and preceded the breach via social media monitoring. The victims’ reports initiated the police investigation, leading to the charges. Ahmed’s actions spanned multiple years, highlighting persistent behaviour despite interventions.

Predictions: How This Development Can Affect Victims of Stalking in Cardiff

This conviction and sentencing can provide reassurance to victims of stalking in Cardiff by demonstrating police willingness to pursue lengthy investigations and secure custodial sentences. Women working in customer-facing roles, such as in cafés or retail, may feel more empowered to report unwanted attention early, knowing orders like the one imposed here can be enforced.

Breaches leading to additional charges reinforce the legal consequences, potentially deterring similar offenders. Victims in Grangetown and surrounding areas could experience reduced fear in public spaces and workplaces due to heightened awareness from the case publicity. Ongoing support from officers like Detective Constable Gosling may encourage reporting, aiding faster resolutions in future stranger stalking incidents.