ABUZAHRA RABEA'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN MANCHESTER'S GAY VILLAGE ON NEW YEAR'S EVE
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through Manchester, a woman was subjected to a humiliating and aggressive sexual assault by a complete stranger in the early hours of New Year’s Day, within the vibrant and bustling Gay Village district.The attacker, identified as Abuzahra Rabea, aged 27, launched his assault without any warning as the victim was simply walking along the street with her friends, celebrating the arrival of the new year.
According to court reports, Rabea, who was a stranger to the woman, approached her suddenly and without any provocation.
In a shocking display of violence, he forcibly shoved his hand up her skirt and groped her genital area with force.
The assault was described as 'shocking' and 'humiliating' by the judge during the sentencing hearing.
After the attack, Rabea reportedly made a disturbing statement, claiming he could do what he wanted and that he could touch whomever he pleased, revealing a blatant disregard for personal boundaries and consent.
Rabea, an asylum seeker who arrived in the United Kingdom by small boat from France, was at the time on immigration bail, as his application for asylum remained pending.
His background and immigration status added a complex layer to the case, but the court emphasized that his actions warranted a severe response.
He was ultimately sentenced to 18 months in prison for the sexual assault.
During the hearing at Manchester Crown Court, Judge Hilary Manley delivered a stern condemnation of Rabea’s actions.
She stated, “Your victim was simply going about her lawful business, enjoying a night out with friends.
You deliberately approached her in the street, and without any warning or preamble, you forcibly shoved your hand up her dress and groped her genital area with force.
This was an aggressive, frightening, humiliating, and violating act.” Judge Manley further highlighted the impact of the assault, noting that the victim had previously experienced sexual violence and assault in her life.
She emphasized that such acts only exacerbate existing trauma.
The judge underscored the importance of women and girls being able to move freely in public spaces without fear of assault or humiliation, whether they are heading to work, school, or simply enjoying a night out.
Prosecutor Phil Barnes detailed the events of that night, explaining that the incident occurred around 2:20 a.m., as the victim and her friends were celebrating New Year’s.
Rabea, who was reportedly extremely intoxicated, approached the group and was pushed away after he was confronted.
He then attempted to flee the scene, but his escape was short-lived.
The victim’s friends managed to stop him, and during the confrontation, Rabea was heard to say “sorry miss” in broken English.
Witnesses also claimed to overhear him saying he “could do what he wants” and “touch who he wants.” Rabea managed to break free from their grasp but was detained shortly afterward when the victim’s friends alerted nearby police.
During police interviews, he denied any sexual assault and falsely claimed that the victim’s friends had tried to rob him at knifepoint, adding insult to injury.
The court noted that this false claim was a clear attempt to deflect blame and diminish the severity of his actions.
Judge Manley pointed out that Rabea’s denial and false accusations demonstrated a lack of remorse or insight into the gravity of his crime.
She remarked, “When you were apprehended, you compounded your misconduct by falsely claiming your victim had committed a crime against you.
That was a lie.” The victim delivered a powerful and emotional statement in court, addressing Rabea directly before his sentencing.
She expressed her heartbreak and disillusionment, saying, “The night of January 1, 2023, was supposed to mark a new beginning for me.
It was my New Year too.
Another year where I dared to hope that the nightmares would fade.
But instead, it became yet another chapter in a story of pain and violation at the hands of another predator.” She described Rabea as someone who saw her merely as an object to satisfy his depraved desires, and she revealed the emotional toll the assault has taken on her.
“You didn’t see the years I spent wearing a mask, trying to cover my fear and pain from the world.
You don’t see the courage it takes to step outside each day,” she said.
Her words underscored the resilience she had shown in bringing her attacker to justice.
The victim also highlighted the ongoing fear that such incidents instill in women and girls everywhere.
“Until we can walk the streets without fear, until we can hold our heads high without the threat of sexual assault looming over us, none of us are truly safe,” she declared.
Regarding Rabea’s background, the court learned that he first came to the UK in 2017, entering clandestinely via a small boat from France.
He applied for asylum in 2022 and was on immigration bail while his application was still being processed.
Notably, he had no prior convictions in the UK.
Defense lawyer Neil Ronan argued that Rabea, originally from Egypt, had fled his homeland after suffering a vicious and violent attack.
He pleaded with the court to consider a lesser sentence, citing the low risk of reoffending as assessed by the probation service.
However, Judge Manley dismissed these pleas, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.
She stated that an immediate custodial sentence was the only appropriate punishment in this case.
Rabea, residing on Cable Street in Manchester, pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault.
As part of his sentence, he will serve half of the 18-month term behind bars and is also required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, a measure aimed at protecting the community and preventing future offenses.
