MARWAN AL-BAKR SENTENCED IN GLASGOW FOR RAPE AT STIRLING HIGH COURT

The High Court in Stirling has handed down a severe sentence to Marwan al-Bakr, a 32-year-old man originally from Syria, who was found guilty of heinously assaulting a 15-year-old girl in Glasgow on Valentine’s Day. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of his actions and the ongoing concern for community safety.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Jane Farquharson described al-Bakr’s conduct as opportunistic and predatory, emphasizing how he exploited the victim’s vulnerability during the attack. The judge acknowledged al-Bakr’s difficult personal background, citing the ongoing war in Syria, but expressed deep concern over his attitude towards women, which was evident in his disrespectful treatment of a translator and social workers involved in the court proceedings.

The incident unfolded late at night when al-Bakr followed the young girl after she left a bus stop near Hampden Park in Glasgow. He then lured her into a dark, secluded area of parkland, where he subjected her to a 55-minute ordeal of non-consensual sexual acts. The victim, now 18, recounted the experience as one where her body was taken from her, highlighting the trauma she endured.

Following the attack, al-Bakr fled Scotland, traveling to Germany just three days later. However, authorities issued a European arrest warrant, leading to his extradition back to the UK. The court’s ruling included an extended five-year supervision period, during which he can be recalled if he reoffends, along with a lifetime ban from registering on the sex offenders’ register. The judge also expressed serious concerns about his attitude towards women and indicated that he might be deported before completing his sentence.

The victim’s mother voiced her outrage over al-Bakr’s swift departure from the country, questioning how he managed to escape so quickly, especially since he was not legally permitted to be in Britain. Prosecutor Katrina Parkes highlighted the danger al-Bakr poses due to his predatory tendencies, praising the victim for her bravery in coming forward. The court took into account his criminal history and the ongoing threat he presents to the community.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Farquharson emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that the jury had convicted al-Bakr of the most serious charge despite some deletions. She pointed out the stark age difference between the victim and the offender, describing her as a troubled teenager and him as a grown man. The judge detailed how CCTV footage showed al-Bakr’s calculated actions, including following the girl and luring her into the parkland where the assault occurred.

She further described how forensic evidence confirmed the assault, with the victim’s protests of 'stop' and 'don’t' heard from a nearby property. The judge dismissed al-Bakr’s own version of events, which conflicted with the evidence presented in court, and noted his refusal to cooperate with social workers and police, which influenced the severity of his sentence.

Judge Farquharson expressed concern over al-Bakr’s attitude towards women, citing his behavior during the trial and his interactions with female social workers and interpreters. She acknowledged the risk he poses to the public, especially women, and stressed the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management upon his release. The court concluded that a standard license period would be insufficient to protect the community, leading to the imposition of an extended sentence that combines a custodial term with post-release supervision.

Considering all aggravating factors—such as targeting a vulnerable victim, ejaculation during the assault, and the choice of secluded parkland—the judge balanced these against al-Bakr’s previous good character and personal history, including his background from Syria. Ultimately, he was sentenced to eight years in prison, with an additional five years of supervised release, making the total period of extended detention 13 years. This sentence is backdated to the date of his arrest in Germany on August 31, 2023.

Furthermore, al-Bakr will remain subject to indefinite notification requirements as a sex offender, and his name has been added to the list of individuals deemed unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups. The court also issued a non-harassment order, prohibiting him from approaching or contacting the victim directly or indirectly, for an indefinite period, in accordance with the Crown’s motion.