An “extremely dangerous” rapist has been jailed thanks to the bravery of the young man he assaulted in reporting his crime.
Rida Awof, 30, raped his 22-year-old victim in Manchester city centre in the early hours of Monday January 31 last year.
According to police investigating the crime, he continuously harassed the young man before dragging him into a doorway and assaulting him.
Detective Constable Annabel Lewis of Greater Manchester Police's City of Manchester district said: “Firstly, I want to acknowledge the victim of this horrific incident and I know the past 16 months have been extremely difficult for him.
“On the night of the incident, the victim was simply walking home from a night shift at work when he was approached by Awof, who began engaging in conversation with him.
“The victim was keen to get home and was continually harassed by Awof and followed.
“Awof continued to follow the victim and began to pressure the victim to go home with him and to perform sexual favours for Awof in public spaces.
“After countless times of the victim declining and not consenting to Awof’s advances, Awof became more persistent and aggressive, chasing the victim across a main road and dragging him towards a doorway where he forced the victim to perform a sex act.
“Extremely distressed, the victim tried to get away from Awof who began following him again.
“The victim attempted to flag down numerous motorists and a cyclist however no-one stopped to help.
“Awof caught up to the victim, punched and kicked him following which he attempted to drag the Victim towards him until a nearby security officer saw the commotion and went to Victim’s aid.
“The security officer then took the victim to a safe place and Awof made off from the scene.”
Police investigated and identified Awof, of Croft Street, Salford, thanks to interviews with the victim, who reported the crime, and forensic analysis.
They arrested Awof on Friday, May 20 last year on suspicion of rape and, after releasing him on bail, charged him on Wednesday November 9.
Brought before Minshull Street Crown Court, Awof pleaded guilty to rape on the first day of his trial.
Last Friday, the rapist was brought back before the court and jailed for six years.
He will serve at least two thirds of that sentence and will then face deportation from the UK.
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DC Lewis said: “I commend the victim for their bravery throughout this investigation and for having the courage to report this information.
“Because of their report, we were able to find and remove this individual from our streets.
“I would also like to thank the officers involved in this case for their full committed efforts in locating the offender and supporting the victim throughout this extremely distressing incident.
“Awof is an extremely dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him today.
"I truly hope that the sentence brings some form of peace to the victim and their loved ones.”
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