A woman who went into a takeaway for a glass of water was then taken upstairs and raped.
The young woman was taken into the Caprinos takeaway on Foregate Street, Chester at around 3am on Sunday, July 30, 2023 by a man who offered her some water. But once she was inside she was led to an upstairs room.
While upstairs, the woman met Muhammad Usman, 35, of Louise Street, Chester, who was present in the premises. He then orally raped and sexually assaulted the victim as she told him to stop, CheshireLive reports.
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The victim left the premises around 4.30am, and, once home, disclosed the ordeal Usman had put her through. The incident was then reported to police.
Following the report, officers arrested a first suspect on Monday 31 July. They were interviewed on Tuesday 1 August before being charged. They were subsequently found not guilty of all charges.
A manhunt was launched for Usman, who was arrested Saturday, August 5, after traveling to another part of Cheshire, knowing the police were looking for him. He was charged the following day.
Police established Usman worked at the takeaway, giving him access to the room in which the victim was raped. He was found guilty of oral rape and sexual assault after a 10-day trial at Chester Crown Court and was jailed for eight years. The judge also ordered Usman to sign the sex offenders register for life.
Following the sentencing, DC Hannah Wilkin said: “Usman clearly showed predatory behaviour and thought he could take advantage of the victim in this case for his own sexual gratification. But thanks to the bravery of the victim throughout this investigation and the subsequent trial, as well as the hard work of officers, he has been found guilty of his crimes.
“I hope this verdict will also serve as a reminder that we will do everything we can to tackle crimes of this nature and we encourage those who have been a victim of a sexual offence to speak out. You will be taken seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, while offering you help and support. All victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”
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