A man has been sentenced after being found guilty of raping a lady in Liverpool’s city centre.
Samir Al Tawel, 27, of Oldham, was found guilty of two counts of rape and theft following a jury trial on Friday, March 8, at Liverpool Crown Court.
The court heard that in March of last year, a man raped a woman in her twenties on Temple Lane.
After a thorough investigation, investigators detained and charged Al Tawel with the charges, and he was placed in detention.
On Monday, March 11, Al Tawel was sentenced to 12 years in jail and lifelong sexual offender notification obligations.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, stated in court that the incident has had a significant impact on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.I had to go through counselling to discover the inner fortitude to keep going.
“I have cried, screamed, shouted, and experienced every emotion possible in order to cope with what you did to me.
“I haven’t been able to bring myself to inform my family, and even my mother is unaware since I know it will crush her heart. I haven’t informed my sisters, either; we’re a close-knit family, but I can’t bring myself to tell them.”
Detective Constable Becky Robinson, who headed the investigation, stated: “After a lengthy investigation and despite the evidence against him, Al Tawel subjected the victim to the trauma of a trial.”
“I’d want to recognise the victim’s courage and dignity throughout the inquiry and judicial proceedings. Today’s results demonstrate that violence against women and girls will not be allowed, and we will fight relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice.
“We are committed to safeguarding victims of sexual assaults, and anyone who reports an occurrence to us will be safe and supported throughout the investigation by Specially Trained Officers and Sexual Violence Advocates who will provide all necessary assistance.
“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned about the safety of someone they know, or suspects someone of engaging in this illegal conduct should come forward and speak with us.
“We have a specialised team that will handle your files with expertise and compassion, and we will do everything possible to bring perpetrators to justice.
“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims if this crime.”
To report a sexual offence, phone 101 and speak with highly trained officers, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
If you have been impacted by any type of sexual violence, you can get help from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service, which is run by two registered charities.
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside provides support in Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral; in St Helens and Knowsley, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside can be reached at 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.