MAWAWE KARAM SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR RAPE IN NOTTINGHAM

In a harrowing case that shocked the Nottingham community, Mawawe Ibrahim Karam, a 28-year-old man from Herbert Road, Nottingham, was convicted of a brutal sexual assault that took place in the early hours of a Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 3:10 am on March 25, 2012, in Gedling Street, near Sneinton Market, an area bustling with activity but also known for its quieter, less monitored alleyways.

According to court records and police reports, Karam targeted a vulnerable 17-year-old girl who was alone at the time. Exploiting her apparent vulnerability, he forcibly dragged her into a nearby alleyway, out of the view of passersby and surveillance cameras. There, he subjected her to a heinous rape, leaving her in a semi-naked state on the street. During the assault, Karam also stole her mobile phone, which was her primary means of communication and safety.

The victim's ordeal did not end immediately. It was approximately two hours later when a vigilant passer-by heard her cries for help and promptly raised the alarm. Emergency services responded swiftly, and the girl was found in a distressed state, with little memory of the attack but enough to identify her attacker later in the investigation.

Detectives from Nottingham launched a comprehensive investigation, meticulously examining CCTV footage from the area and tracking the use of the stolen mobile phone. DNA evidence collected from the scene and the victim’s belongings played a crucial role in identifying Karam as the perpetrator. His arrest came within the same week, marking a significant breakthrough in the case.

During the court proceedings, Karam pleaded guilty to charges of rape and theft. His sentencing took place at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, September 20, 2012. He was sentenced to ten years in prison for the rape and an additional year for the theft, with both sentences to run concurrently. The court also ordered Karam to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and recommended his deportation after serving his sentence, given his status as a Sudanese immigrant.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jordan, who led the investigation, expressed her relief that justice was served. She stated, “Karam targeted his victim after finding her alone in the street. He took advantage of her vulnerability, dragged her into an alleyway out of view, and subjected her to a horrific assault. He then left her lying in the street, semi-naked, taking with him her mobile phone – her only means of contact. She has little recollection of the ordeal but found the bravery to face her attacker in court today where justice was done and Karam was handed a lengthy sentence.”

The case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the diligent work of law enforcement in bringing offenders to justice. Support services such as the Nottinghamshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre, known as the Topaz Centre, are available for victims seeking help and advice. Those affected can contact the centre at 0845 600 15 88 or via email at [email protected], ensuring victims receive the necessary support to begin healing from such traumatic experiences.