Locations
Dudley Street, Bedford, MK40
Description
A man has been jailed for raping a woman after approaching her in Bedford.
Robel Gebremariam spotted the woman walking in Greyfriars in the early hours of 6 July 2024 and approached her.
He walked along next to her and then took her to a shop where he bought her a bottle of alcohol.
He then booked a taxi and took her to the house he was staying in where he supplied her with more alcohol before raping her.
The victim reported what had happened to police shortly afterwards.
An investigation was launched by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, and Gebremariam was identified through intelligence work and CCTV.
The 25-year-old of Dudley Street, Bedford was found guilty after a four-day trial earlier this year and was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday (14 July) to nine years in prison with a one-year extended licence.
Detective Constable Olivia Phillips from RASSO said:
“The victim showed remarkable bravery in coming forward and speaking to officers and played a vital role in ensuring Gebremariam was caught quickly.
“I am glad he will now serve a custodial sentence, and I hope this sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“We are committed to tackling male violence against women and girls and this case demonstrates how seriously such offences are treated. We continue to encourage victims to report to us - you will be listened to, supported, and taken seriously, as protecting women and girls remains a policing priority for us.”