SYED ALI FROM NEWCASTLE SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN SUNDERLAND'S MOORBRAY PARK
In August 2015, a disturbing case unfolded involving Syed Ali, a man from Newcastle, who was convicted of a heinous sexual assault that took place in Sunderland.The incident, which occurred in Mowbray Park, left a lasting impact on the victim and drew significant attention from the courts and the local community.
According to court proceedings, Ali, then 47 years old, targeted a 16-year-old girl in a calculated and predatory manner.
The court heard that Ali had been observed at The Bridges shopping centre in Sunderland, where he appeared to be watching and following the two teenage girls.
Witnesses and surveillance footage indicated that Ali was loitering around the shopping centre, showing an unsettling interest in school-aged girls.
As the girls moved through the shopping centre, Ali was seen to be paying close attention to their movements, smiling and waving at them, seemingly waiting for an opportune moment to approach.
When the girls exited the shopping centre, Ali was reportedly waiting outside.
He beckoned them over, engaging them in conversation and offering them cigarettes.
During this interaction, Ali falsely claimed to be in his twenties and expressed that he found the girls attractive.
He then revealed that he was armed with a knife and instructed the girls to follow him, which they did out of fear and confusion.
The court was told that Ali led the girls to a secluded area within Mowbray Park, among some trees, where the assault took place.
The 16-year-old girl was forcibly grabbed and pushed to the ground by Ali, who then proceeded to rape her in the bushes.
Throughout the assault, the victim was visibly distressed, shaking and crying, desperately trying to get Ali to stop.
Despite her pleas, Ali continued his attack, which was characterized by a significant level of violence and intimidation.
After the assault, Ali showed a disturbing level of callousness by slipping £10 into the victim’s pocket, claiming it was payment for sex.
He then instructed the other girl to meet him the following week, promising to give her £10 for sex as well.
The court heard that the victim was left profoundly traumatised by the incident, suffering from ongoing issues with sleep, appetite, and feelings of insecurity.
She has been prescribed medication and has undergone counselling to cope with the emotional aftermath.
Judge Paul Sloan QC sentenced Ali to eight years in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender at Newcastle Crown Court.
In his remarks, the judge highlighted Ali’s predatory behaviour, noting that he had specifically targeted the young and vulnerable girl.
The judge described Ali’s actions as calculated, with clear intent to exploit the victim’s youth and innocence.
Ali was also acquitted of sexually assaulting the victim’s friend, but his criminal record now includes a serious conviction for the assault in Sunderland.
During the proceedings, Ali’s background was discussed.
He is a father of seven and has been residing in the UK since 1991.
His family circumstances, including his father’s serious illness in Bangladesh, were acknowledged by his defence team, Shaun Routledge, who emphasized that Ali had worked hard to support his family.
Despite this, the court made it clear that his actions warranted a severe penalty, reflecting the gravity of the crime committed in Sunderland.
