DNA EVIDENCE HELPS CONVICT MAN OF RAPE OFFENCE IN 2021
A man has been convicted after authorities linked his DNA to a cold case rape from 2021, following his arrest for an attempted rape in Leeds.Rashid Boachie, 44 years old, received a guilty verdict today, 19th February 2026, on charges of rape and sexual assault.
His sentencing is scheduled for 25th March 2026.
The incident in question occurred in the early hours of 10th August 2025 when Boachie targeted a woman who had separated from her friends during a night out in Leeds.
CCTV footage showed Boachie conversing with the woman before escorting her to an alleyway behind the Travelodge on Blayds Yard.
The assault occurred there until a hotel staff member heard the victim's cries for help, intervening and causing Boachie to leave the scene.
Boachie was identified through a media appeal that displayed CCTV images of him in the area at the time of the offence.
He was detained on 14 August, and DNA samples taken during his arrest matched DNA found on the victim’s jeans from a 2021 case.
That previous case had been reported and investigated, but no suspect had been identified.
It took place on 29 August 2021 in the Beeston district of Leeds.
In that incident, the victim, after drinking with friends, mistakenly entered Boachie’s car, thinking it was a taxi.
Instead of returning her home, Boachie initially took her to a crowded car park, then to a quieter one where he assaulted her.
During the assault, the victim managed to record a brief video saying “help me.” Since his arrest in August last year, Boachie has been held in custody.
Detective Inspector Jodie Hayes from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team commented: “Boachie targeted vulnerable women who had become separated from their friends while intoxicated.
He is a dangerous sexual predator and we hope he will remain behind bars for a significant time.
“The victims showed great bravery, and I regret that despite evidence, Boachie refused to admit guilt, leading them through a lengthy trial.
“Thanks to public assistance, we identified Boachie from CCTV images linked to the 2025 offence, which subsequently connected him to the earlier case.
“We remain committed to pursuing justice and will act on any new information.
There’s a possibility Boachie committed other offences over the past four years, and we encourage any victims to come forward and report crimes.
They will be supported by trained officers, just as these victims were.”
