Stranger Tried to Kidnap Children at Popular City Splashpad and Targeted Nursery the Next Day

A man attempted to abduct two young children at a busy splashpad before targeting a nursery the following day, a court has heard.

Moynul Janu, 35, approached a four‑year‑old girl and a 16‑month‑old girl as they played in the water fountains at Victoria Park, Cardiff, in July last year. The incident happened in front of their mothers, who intervened when they saw him moving toward the children.

Prosecutor Bethan Evans told Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court that Janu told the women he was “grabbing the kids” before taking hold of both children by their arms. One mother blocked his path while both shouted at him to stop.

The four‑year‑old, described as physically vulnerable due to health issues, now wakes up screaming:  

“He is coming. He is coming to get me.”

Parents raised the alarm

After the confrontation, Janu tapped the older child on the head and walked away while speaking into his smartwatch. Park attendants were alerted and stopped him. He told them he was homeless in the UK and looking for work.

Police detained him but later dropped him off in Cardiff city centre.

Targeted a nursery the next day

Just 24 hours later, Janu entered a nursery in Pencoed, where 17 children were present. Staff saw him loitering in the foyer before he walked “quickly and directly” toward a nursery nurse, coming within 30cm of her.

As the automatic door locked behind her, Janu tried to guess the entry code and push the buttons to gain access. Police were called and found him still outside 15 minutes later.

Parents traumatised

The mother of the four‑year‑old said her daughter now suffers nightmares and fears Janu will return.  

The mother of the 16‑month‑old said she had gone to the park to help manage her own anxiety:

“A strange man tried to take my child in front of me.”

She said she is now too frightened to stay home alone with her children.

Defence said he was mentally unwell

Defending, Andrew Kendall said Janu was suffering from bipolar affective disorder at the time and was “clearly very unwell”.

Janu admitted three counts of attempted child abduction.

Judge Richard Kember issued a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, meaning Janu will be detained in a secure medical facility rather than prison.

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