SAMIR AL TAWEL SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR RAPE AND THEFT

A man from Oldham, identified as Samir Al Tawel, has been handed a significant prison sentence following a serious criminal case that took place in Liverpool city centre. The 28-year-old was convicted on two counts of rape along with theft charges after a jury at Liverpool Crown Court found him guilty on Friday, March 8.

The incident that led to his arrest was reported in March of the previous year, when a woman in her twenties was assaulted and raped on Temple Lane, a well-known area in Liverpool. The police launched an extensive investigation into the matter, which ultimately resulted in the arrest of Al Tawel. Following his arrest, he was remanded into custody, awaiting trial.

During the sentencing hearing, the court sentenced Al Tawel to a term of 12 years in prison. Additionally, he will be subject to lifelong sexual offender notification requirements, meaning he will be monitored and required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The court also heard a powerful statement from the victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons. She described the profound and lasting impact the assault has had on her life, stating, "Every single way that it could have affected me it has, physically, mentally, emotionally and it has affected my quality of life immensely. I have had to undergo counselling to find the inner strength in me to keep going. I have cried, screamed, shouted and gone through every emotion trying to cope with what you did to me. I haven’t been able to bring myself to tell my family, even my own mother doesn’t know as I know it will break her. I haven’t told my sisters either, we are usually a close-knit family but I just can’t bring myself to tell them."

Detective Constable Becky Robinson, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s resilience and courage. She emphasized the importance of reporting sexual offences, stating, "Following a lengthy investigation and despite the evidence against him, Al Tawel put the victim through the trauma of a trial. I would like to praise the courage and dignity shown by the victim throughout the investigation and court proceedings. Today’s results show that violence against women and girls will simply not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice."

Robinson also urged the public to come forward if they or someone they know have been victims of sexual offences. She highlighted the support available, including dedicated teams and partner organizations such as Victim Care Support Service and RASA, which provide assistance to victims. She encouraged anyone with concerns to contact the police on 101 or to report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. Additionally, the Home Office has introduced a pilot service called StreetSafe, designed for the anonymous reporting of public spaces where individuals feel unsafe due to environmental or behavioral issues, although it is not intended for reporting specific crimes or incidents.