Ali Askre 25

Description

The strength and bravery of a woman who fought off a man trying to rape her has ensured he will spend the next decade behind bars.

On 25 March, we received reports of a man assaulting and trying to rape a woman as she walked through Concord Park, in Sheffield. The man fled the scene after the woman bravely fought him off.

Officers quickly responded and the victim, a woman in her 70s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Meticulous detective work, utilising the detailed account the victim provided and from a nearby witness, resulted in Ali Askre being identified as a suspect and arrested within four hours of the horrific incident taking place.

During the attack the victim not only displayed unwavering courage by fighting Askre off but she also managed to recall key details about the 25-year-old which contributed to detectives later identifying him on CCTV trawls of the surrounding area.

Footage recovered included a CCTV clip which showed a man wearing a balaclava and gloves making his way to the park after leaving a property Askre would later be arrested at.

Once in police custody, Askre provided a full admission detailing his pre-meditated plan to attack and a rape a woman. This included telling officers where he had ditched items of clothing as he fled the scene.

Askre, of Torksey Road West, Sheffield, was subsequently charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempt rape. He pleaded guilty to both counts and yesterday (Monday 5 October) was handed a 20-year sentence - made up of a 12 year custodial sentence, with an extended licence period of eight years.

Detective Constable Daniel Lilley, who was the officer in charge of this case, said:

"I would like to recognise the immense strength of the victim in this case. She provided us with crucial information in the immediate aftermath of this horrendous ordeal and has shown immeasurable courage throughout the justice process.

"Although no sentence will ever undo the trauma she has experienced, I hope this result provides some reassurance that her bravery has ensured a dangerous man has been taken off of the streets of South Yorkshire.

"This was planned attack by a vile man who showed no care for anyone else as long it furthered his selfish and perverted aims. I am pleased that he will now be put behind bars and unable to cause even more pain to our communities.”