Asylum Seeker Jailed For Rape In Toxteth
An Asylum seeker has jailed for 10 years after raping a woman in Toxteth as she was walking to her boyfriend's home
The 21 year old victim was attacked as she was walking on Beaumont Street around 6.30am on Sunday 19th July 2015. Mebrehtom Abrha, 25 years who was living in Birmingham was arrested in November following an extensive investigation carried out by the specialist Unity team and an appeal on BBC's Crimewatch program late last year.
He's been jailed for 10 years and will serve an additional 5 on license.
Abrha fled his native Eitrea due to conflict & entered the UK in 2014 seeking asylum. Detective Inspector Terry Davies, from the specialist Unity rape investigation team, said: "Abrha was caught in November last year following an extensive investigation by the force's Unity team and a widespread media appeal. “He had been living in Liverpool and tried to evade capture by moving to Birmingham after we put out the first media appeal for information following the rape. But despite his best efforts we were still able to trace him and put him before the courts. "Rape is a very personal crime, which many victims, understandably, struggle to come to terms with and it can have a devastating effect for the rest of their lives and there is no doubt that this had had a significant impact on his young victim, who will now have to live with this for her life. “His victim is a very strong, young lady, who over the last six months has supported our investigation throughout and it is testimony to her and the account she gave us that we have been able to bring him to justice. Hopefully her bravery will encourage other victims to come forward and have the confidence in us to do the right thing and support them throughout their ordeal.” He continued: "If anybody else is out there suffering in silence I want you to know that there is help and support available to you, both from Merseyside Police, where we have specially trained officers who will listen to you and treat you with sensitivity and compassion, and from reliable and trusted support groups who will support you from your initial report and for as long as you need. "In the last six years we have experienced increased levels of reporting, including historic cases, and this is a real indication of confidence in the way the police and other agencies on Merseyside respond to complaints of rape and serious sexual assault."
In an impact statement the young victim said:
"I have lost any desire to do anything in my life. I question my life most days – my decisions and my actions – constantly doubting myself."
"After the incident, I didn’t want to share food or drink with anyone (drink from anyone’s bottle) as I felt too dirty and thought they would be disgusted if I did. I wasn’t able to sleep alone for a long time and had to have the light on in my bedroom throughout every night"
I was very restless and was unable to sleep well or fully through a night. I feel terrified in the shower, I don’t know why but it has only started after the incident and I know it is irrational. I get the feeling that someone is going to get me and I start to panic"
Below see CCTV video of Abrha before the attack