Ramees Akkara 30

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A MAN who raped a student on her way home was caught after she made a video call and her friend recorded it.

Just before 12pm on Wednesday, September 22 the woman in her 20s was dropped off by a taxi in The Avenue, Brighton.

She was attacked but managed to make a video call to a friend who reported it to the police.

Officers managed to use the footage to track down where the attack happened and identify the rapist.

And now Ramees Akkara, 28, of Upper Bevendean Avenue in Brighton, has been found guilty by a jury at Hove Crown Court.

Police visited the victims address at 2.40am after she had returned home alone and an investigation was launched after officers suspected she may have been the victim of a sexual assault.

The woman was supported by specialist officers while evidence was gathered, but her whereabouts during the time of the attack, and a crime scene, were unknown.

Over the following days, detectives carried out enquiries around the Upper Bevendean Avenue area, supported by a range of specialist officers.

On Friday, October 1 detectives entered an unlocked property in Upper Bevendean Avenue and recognised it from the recorded video call.

Five men who returned to the property were arrested on suspicion of rape and all five were interviewed over the next 24 hours.

After DNA test results were fast-tracked, a forensic sample taken from the victim matched the DNA of one of the suspects, Ramees Akkara, who was re-arrested while enquiries continued.

On Monday, October 4 he was charged with rape and remanded in custody until his trial began on Tuesday, March 22.

This week a jury unanimously found Akkara guilty of rape and he was sentenced to eight years in prison. He will also be placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Gillings said: This was a hugely distressing case for the young woman involved, who fell victim to a predatory offender in Akkara.

I would like to personally thank her for the incredible bravery she showed in supporting the investigation, which included giving evidence in court under extremely stressful circumstances. Without her courage and support, this conviction would not have been possible.

My thanks also go out to her quick-thinking friend who recorded the call, and to all of the people who helped to secure this conviction.

It was an incredible display of teamwork and I feel hugely proud to have worked with the individuals on this case.

Many worked extended hours, putting their home lives second to identifying and charging a dangerous male who is now, due to their actions, no longer on the streets.