Man jailed for kidnapping a woman in Withington

50-year-old Omar Alam has been jailed for life with a minimum of 6 years and 25 days

Author: Luke WilsonPublished 8th Sep 2021

A man has been jailed for Life with a minimum term of 6 years and 25 days for kidnapping a woman in broad daylight at a bus stop in Manchester.

At Manchester Crown Court earlier today Omar Alam, 50, was sentenced for kidnapping the woman from a bus stop on Palatine Road in Withington on 25 July 2019 and with intent to commit a sexual offence.

The woman, who had just finished work, was grabbed from behind by Alam. He got her in a headlock and dragged her towards the bushes saying, “You’re coming with me”.

He then forced her towards the grounds of a secluded church nearby. She screamed and shouted for help and a passing motorist honked the horn and shouted, “Get off her”.

On hearing this, Alam released his grip and fled and the woman fell to her knees. She suffered cuts and bruising as a result of the attack.

Alam pleaded not guilty but the jury agreed with the CPS and found him guilty, following a trial. At the trial, the CPS arranged for the woman to give evidence using screens so she would not have to see her attacker in court.

In an emotional victim impact statement, the victim said:

“On the 25 July 2019, my life changed for the worse, the past two years have been hell for me and my family”.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Rachael Yarwood, of CPS North West, said:

“These offences have had a devastating impact on the victim’s life. She showed incredible bravery in giving evidence against her attacker. Without her evidence we wouldn’t have been able to secure this conviction and sentence, which will protect the public from Alam in the future. I hope today’s sentence will bring her a measure of comfort.”

Police Sergeant Chris Turner said:

"This was an absolutely terrifying ordeal for the victim who was simply trying to get home after a day at work and I am very pleased that Alam has now been taken off the streets.

"I would like to thank the victim for her bravery in helping us with our investigation and the members of the public who stepped in to help following the incident.

"I'd also like to thank Rachael Yarwood from the Crown Prosecution Service and the prosecution Barrister in the trial Matthew Curtis, both of whom have been outstanding in making sure that Alam has been brought to justice."

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