Armed rapist who attacked woman in park jailed after calling 999 to ‘confess’
A rapist who threatened a woman with an imitation gun before sexually assaulting her in a park has been jailed for 14 years.
Usama Al-Sari, 28, targeted the woman on September 9 and forced her into Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, where he raped her.
She managed to run away and call the police. Al-Sari then made his own 999 call saying he wanted to ‘turn himself in’ and was arrested within an hour.
But his confession immediately downplayed the attack as an ‘attempted rape’ and sought to minimise his own responsibility by blaming his actions on a ‘compulsion’.
Voice full of self-pity, he begins his account of the harrowing assault by talking about his own supposed suffering.
When the operator asks him to ‘tell me what exactly has happened’, Al-Sari says: ‘So erm, I’ve been suffering with compulsion for a while and basically gave in.
‘I have a pellet gun and I forced – tried to force this girl to, you know, do things. I wouldn’t have done anything with the pellet gun – it’s not even loaded.
‘But she ran away.’
Al-Sari eventually pleaded guilty to rape, sexual assault, intent to commit a sexual offence, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making a threat to kill and possession of a Class B drug.
He will serve 14 years in prison and an additional eight years on license. He will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
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Following the sentencing on Friday, the victim thanked the police for their support.
She said: ‘Being supported and treated with dignity made a huge difference, and I hope this case encourages all institutions to reflect on how they support victims of serious violence.’
Detective Constable Heather Parke said: ‘Following this sentencing I hope this outcome provides reassurance to the victim and our wider communities.
‘I want to commend the victim for her courage during this investigation.
‘Coming forward and reporting this incident enabled our officers to ensure the offender saw justice and the victim was able to receive the right support.
‘This is a shocking and incredibly rare incident and will have an immeasurable impact on the victim.
‘We understand this incident is deeply concerning, and I want to reassure our communities that incidents of this nature are treated with the highest priority.
‘Our commitment is to protect victims, provide the right care and support and pursue justice and we encourage any victims to come forward and report.’
What to do if you've been raped
If you have been the victim of rape, either recently or historically, and are looking for help, support is out there.
- If you have recently been raped and you are still at risk, ring 999 and ask for the police. Otherwise, the first step is to go somewhere you are safe.
- If you want to report your rape to the police, ring 999 or the police non-emergency line on 101. An Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) will often be on hand to help you through reporting and even after you have made a statement, you can still decide to withdraw from the criminal justice process at any time.
- If you plan on going to the police, if possible, do not wash your clothes or shower, bathe or brush your teeth. If you do get changed, keep the clothes you were wearing in a plastic bag. These steps will help to preserve any DNA evidence your attacker may have left on your body or clothes.
- If you don’t want to contact the police, Rape Crisis suggest talking to someone you trust about what has happened; or you can ring one of the UK’s many rape and sexual assault helplines.
- Anyone aged 16+ can contact Rape Crisis's 24/7 Support Line by calling 0808 500 2222 or starting an online chat.
- If you have been injured, you’re best advised to go to your nearest A&E to seek medical treatment. If you are uninjured, you can go to your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). The NHS has information on where to find your nearest centre here.
- If your rape is historic, you can still access support, including from the police – there is no time limit on reporting and your account can still be used as evidence.
Read more here.
Greater Manchester Police also signposted the following organisations which support survivors:
– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
– Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
– Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
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