DANIEL HASSAN FROM COUNTY DURHAM ARRESTED AFTER ONLINE DATING INCIDENT AND FOOD ORDER TRACKING
Detectives hunting for the wanted rapist Daniel Hassan were able to locate his exact position after he placed a food order.Northumbria Police tracked down Hassan, who had become a fugitive, when he ordered a 19 kebab via Just Eat.
The investigation began after Hassan, a sexual predator, met his victim on an online dating site and arranged to meet for a date.
After they met, Hassan’s behavior turned violent when a comment from the victim provoked an aggressive response.
He repeatedly punched and kicked her in the head and body before raping her, causing injuries to her face and chest, and a head laceration.
Despite her pleas for help, he assaulted her again, resulting in further injuries.
Hassan then left the scene, but the victim reported the assault to police, prompting an investigation by the Northumbria Police Safeguarding unit.
The victim could only identify the suspect as 'Danny' and mentioned he was originally from Manchester, which was sufficient for specialists to pursue.
Although Hassan had deleted his dating profile, investigators managed to recover a photograph of him.
Using advanced technology, they matched the image to Hassan, believing he was located in Hauxley, County Durham.
While they did not have his precise location at that moment, the breakthrough came when Hassan ordered a takeaway through Just Eat, allowing officers to pinpoint his exact whereabouts and arrest him on suspicion of rape and assault.
During police interview, Hassan denied any involvement and refused to answer further questions, but he was subsequently charged with two counts of assault and one count of rape.
He was remanded in custody, with a trial scheduled for January 17 at Newcastle Crown Court.
However, after continued inquiries and presenting irrefutable evidence, Hassan pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial.
Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Dayna McNally, who praised the victim’s bravery and expressed hope that the case reassures the public that those committing violent sexual crimes will be brought to justice.
DC McNally said: "I can't imagine how much of a traumatic experience this has been for the victim and she absolutely did the right thing reporting it to police.
Even with the limited information we knew about Hassan, we have been able to track him down and provide strong evidence of his crimes to the point he has been unable to deny it any more.
All the victim wanted was to find someone to connect with but this was the vile man she was faced with.
But now, women are safe from Hassan as he remains in custody awaiting sentence and will no longer be a risk to those looking for companionship." Hassan, of Hessewelle Crescent, Haswell, County Durham, is currently remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on March 11.
