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‘Predator’ jailed after raping young woman and assaulting another on same night in Preston city centre

Posted on - 5th May, 2022 - 8:26am | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Lancashire Police, Preston City Centre, Preston News
Amanuel Tsegay
Amanuel Tsegay is described as a ‘prowling predator’

A man has been give an 18-year sentence for raping a young woman and sexually assaulting another on the same night in Preston city centre.

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Amanuel Tsegay, 37, was sentenced at Sessions House yesterday (Wednesday 4 May), having previously pleaded guilty to rape and sexual assault.

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The rape victim, who was 18 at the time of the offence, was attacked by Tsegay at around 4.20am on September 22 2019, after becoming separated from her friends following a night out in Preston.

She was walking along Lancaster Road, and when she reached the junction with Harris Street was approached by Tsegay. After a brief interaction, they walked together on to Lord Street, where he raped her on a grassed area.

An investigation was launched and detectives found Tsegay had travelled into Preston by train from Manchester several hours before the attack. He was then seen walking around Preston city centre.

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He was arrested on October 8 2019 and subsequently charged with rape.

Read more: Man charged with rape after woman attacked in the city centre

Detectives viewed several hours of CCTV and, following a media appeal, were also able to trace another victim, aged 19 at the time of the offence, who Tsegay had grabbed and forced himself upon on the same night, when she offered him some food.

Tsegay, 37, of Lords Avenue, Salford, was given a custodial sentence of 12 years and seven months. He was given a six-year extended licence period after a judge deemed him to be a dangerous offender. That will mean he will continue to be monitored by the appropriate authorities even after he is released from prison.

Tsegay was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

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Read more: Lancashire Police recruiting 40 extra officers for new rape and sex offences unit

In a victim impact statement read out in court, the rape victim said: “Before that night I was happy, I liked to meet new people and make new friends. I didn’t have any worries and now that has all changed.”

She explained that the incident has left her unable to sleep properly and having nightmares when she does. She has been forced to give up her job due to anxiety.

She added: “Before the attack I was quite independent. What he did has changed all that. I don’t feel happy and carefree like I was. This is always there.”

The victim of the sexual assault told the court her sleep has been affected, she has lost her sense of independence and has felt the need to change how she dresses.

In her victim impact statement she added: “I feel apprehensive about people coming near me. I feel that I have used up all of my luck and am apprehensive and anxious when I go out of the house.”

Read more: Preston City Council supporting campaign to help victims of domestic abuse

Det Insp Fiona Jackson, from Lancashire Police, said: “I am satisfied with today’s result and would like to commend both victims for their bravery. It has taken over two years to reach a conclusion, mainly because of the pandemic, but they have continued to provide support for the process throughout.

“Amanuel Tsegay is a sexual predator and it is clear from CCTV footage that he was prowling around the centre of Preston looking for vulnerable women. He raped one young woman, forced another woman into a kiss and made lewd comments about performing a sex act towards two others.

“I would like to thank my colleagues who worked on this investigation, painstakingly combing through hours of CCTV to find Tsegay. This assisted with media appeals, which led to him being caught. I would also like to thank the public who supported and responded to these appeals as they provided vital information.”

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