Description
Aadel Nassrallah, 39, jailed for 18 years in absence after fleeing to Syria
Aadel Nassrallah, formerly of Elswick, Newcastle, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison in his absence after a jury at Newcastle Crown Court convicted him of offences including rape and attempted rape.
Nassrallah absconded to Syria before trial. Recorder Mark Giuliani said he had “voluntarily absented himself from the jurisdiction” and added: “I am aware he has returned to Syria.” The court heard he had spent time on remand before being granted bail.
The judge described Nassrallah as a serious sexual offender who was reportedly “trying to emulate what he had seen in pornographic movies” when he raped the victim.
In a statement read to the court, the woman said Nassrallah “took the joy” out of her life. She said no-one could go through what she had without it “destroying their mental health” and added: “I lost the ability to be me.”
A warrant has been issued. Nassrallah will be detained and imprisoned if he returns to the UK or is extradited. He must also sign the sex offender register for life.