Bolton man jailed after serious sexual assault of woman

Basil Alothman, 44, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of a serious sexual assault of a woman in a car who had been on a night out with friends.

Alothman, of Waggon Road, Bolton was unknown to the victim and was found guilty of the attack following a nine-day trial at Manchester Crown Court.

The jury heard that the victim had been out on the evening of Friday, January 28 this year, first for a family meal to celebrate a birthday and then onto Level Nightclub, on Nelson Square in Bolton, with friends.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court behind screens that she remembered drinking alcohol and dancing with her friends, before her memory blacked out.

She then woke up in a car to find Alothman on top of her, committing the serious sexual assault.

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The next thing she then remembered was waking up at her mother’s house and, after she confided in a friend, the police were called, and an investigation ensued.

The victim then received a number of messages from an unknown phone number in the days that followed the attack, telling her they were “sorry".

It was later proven to be a phone registered to Alothman.

In summing up the case, the judge noted that Alothman had been driving around the Bolton area between 2.30am and 5am looking for sexual activity.

He has then identified a lone female who was clearly very intoxicated and exploited these vulnerabilities.

Following the conviction, DC Andrew Jameson from Greater Manchester Police's Bolton district said: “Yesterday’s sentencing is reflective of this truly awful crime, and I would like to personally thank the young woman, who displayed such bravery, for assisting us with our enquiries throughout our investigation, which has led to this man’s incarceration.

“Men like Alothman prey on young, vulnerable women and think it’s okay to take advantage of them when they don’t have the ability to consent.

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"Serious sexual assaults, such as these, are truly heinous and we would urge anyone who thinks that they have been a victim of such assaults to get in touch with us.

“We guarantee that you will be listened to, and you will be believed.”

If something doesn’t feel right – report it.

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or by dialling 101. You can also share information anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester.

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They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.