YONAS GEBREYSUS SENTENCED IN BRISTOL FOR BRUTAL RAPE ON LAMB STREET

A man named Yonas Gebreysus has been handed down an eight-year prison sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in Bristol during the summer of 2023.

The incident took place on the night of Sunday, June 4, 2023, when Gebreysus approached the victim in Lamb Street at approximately 11:30 pm. Witnesses and the court were told that after initiating a conversation, he lured her into a more secluded part of the street, where he committed the assault. During the attack, Gebreysus also stole her mobile phone, an act that was clearly intended to hinder her ability to seek immediate help or call for assistance.

The case was brought to trial in May, and after careful consideration of the evidence, the jury found Gebreysus guilty of the charges. He was subsequently sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on July 4, 2024. Despite his conviction, Gebreysus maintained his innocence and denied all allegations against him. The court heard that he will be required to serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole or release. Furthermore, as part of his punishment, his details will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public record of his conviction.

During the proceedings, a victim personal statement was read aloud in court. The woman, who has been granted lifetime anonymity to protect her identity, shared her emotional and psychological struggles following the assault. She described feelings of shame and guilt, and explained how her social life has been severely impacted. Her testimony revealed that her daily routine has been disrupted, leading her to avoid alcohol and become more cautious when venturing outside. She expressed her strong desire to regain control over her life and emphasized that she refuses to let the crime define her future.

Judge Moira Macmillan commended her bravery in speaking out and facing her ordeal publicly. Acting Detective Sergeant Alastair Lea also acknowledged her courage and highlighted the calculated nature of the attack. He pointed out that Gebreysus deliberately targeted her late at night, knowing her vulnerability would be at its peak. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to supporting victims like her, emphasizing that they will be believed, protected, and given the necessary assistance to recover. They also noted Gebreysus’s failure to accept responsibility for his actions, which included the theft of her phone as part of his attempt to evade justice and accountability.