Man jailed for rape in Plymouth
A man has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years for rape after being found guilty at Plymouth Crown Court.
Mohammed Abdullah, 34, of no fixed abode, Plymouth, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years for two charges of rape, to be served concurrently, with some dispensation for time spent under curfew restrictions.
Plymouth Crown Court heard that on Friday 21 October 2022, the victim had been staying at a hotel in the city with a friend.
They had gone out for a meal and returned to their room before she went out for a walk on her own at around midnight.
Abdullah approached her and asked for sex in exchange for money.
She declined and walked away.
A short time later, she described him taking her into an alleyway in the New George Street area of Plymouth, where he raped her, despite her efforts to get him to stop.
She returned to her room at the hotel in a distressed state and her friend called the police.
An investigation was launched by officers from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Project Gemstone, a specialist sexual offences investigation team in Plymouth.
Abdullah, of King Street, Plymouth, was charged and remanded to Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 22 October. He denied the offences but was convicted of two charges of rape on Friday 10 May following a nine-day trial at Plymouth Crown Court.
His Honour Judge Robert Linford said Abdullah had shown no remorse and maintained a ‘ludicrous account’ of what had taken place that night.
Abdullah was sentenced today, Friday 28 June, to eight-and-a-half years for both rapes, to be served concurrently less time spent under curfew. He was told he would have to serve two-thirds before being considered for parole.
Detective Chief Inspector Darren Roach said: “This was a particularly disturbing crime which has had a profound impact on the victim and had heightened community tensions within the city centre and night time economy.
“Responding immediately, officers were able to identify the scene and secure forensic evidence. Following fast track enquiries and a proactive manhunt, the offender was located within hours of the offence, despite his identity being unknown at the time.
“The victim has shown incredible bravery and resilience and I commend her and her family for the strength they have shown throughout the investigation and court process.
“Women and girls should be free to walk the streets without fear for their safety. It’s for that reason that violence against women and girls remains a top priority for the Force and we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to ensure this.
“I’d also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and the officer in the case for their diligence in securing and presenting the evidence in a uniquely complex case, with many witnesses being brought to give evidence at trial.
“Whilst the impact will be long lasting, I hope that today’s sentence offers a degree of reassurance and justice to the victim.”
Support available
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report information and crimes on our website.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There are lots of organisations and support agencies available across Devon and Cornwall that can help provide support.
For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available, please visit our support pages by clicking here.
Advice and support is also offered by our partner agencies:
• National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
• Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900
• Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
Victim care
If you have been affected by crime, please visit Home - Victim Care Devon & Cornwall (victimcare-dc.org) to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
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