Following an extensive investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Longsight CID, two men attended Manchester Crown Court today (21/12/23). They were jailed for the rape of a woman in an alleyway near Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester City Centre which took place on 16 May 2021.
Juan Quinones (27/04/1999) of Aspell Close, Middleton in Rochdale was jailed for 12 years.
Brian Jalo (16/02/1998) of Sugar Mill Square in Salford was also jailed for 12 years.
The attack occurred after the victim (then aged 18) and her friend met Quinones and Jalo the previous day (15 May 2023). The pair approached the women, spoke to them for a time, and exchanged contact details on Instagram.
The following evening, on the night of the attack, the victim and her friend were staying in a hotel near Piccadilly Gardens. After the two women returned to the hotel, the victim then left the hotel again on her own.
Quinones and Jalo spotted the woman leaving the hotel, attacked her and raped her in an alleyway.
The victim managed to make her way back to the hotel following the attack in a distressed state. Her mobile phone was missing and has never been recovered.
She contacted police and an investigation was immediately launched. Following an appeal to the public for information, CCTV was provided to the police which led to the identification and arrest of Jalo and Quinones on 19 May 2021.
A third man was later acquitted of sexual assault and aiding and abetting the rape.
Detective Constable Stuart Kassim, of GMP Longsight CID, said: “I want to thank the victim for her bravery in reporting her attack and putting her trust in the police to investigate. This was a horrific ordeal which has been prolonged by her attackers refusing to admit their guilt and forcing her to re-live that night by giving evidence at trial.
“It was a vile and predatory attack on a lone woman by a pair who worked together to lure her away from safety to rape her. Their actions were cold and calculating and I am pleased the sentence has placed them safely behind bars.
“Ultimately, it is thanks to the bravery of the victim, as well as members of the public who answered our CCTV appeal and the dedication of the investigation team, that both offenders will now spend years of their lives behind bars.
“I hope this case gives other victims reassurance that GMP will seek to arrest and prosecute offenders. And I hope it encourages more victims to come forward and report what happened to them to the police.”
Support Available
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report information and crimes on our website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the ‘report’ tool. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester that can help and provide support for you. For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available to you, please visit our support pages.
Support for Rape and Sexual Assault:
St. Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Survivors Manchester – provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
Support for Domestic Abuse:
SafeLives.org.uk
Providing domestic abuse support and guidance.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free 24-hour helpline, guidance and support for victims.
National Centre for Domestic Violence
Provides a free service that lets anyone who has recently suffered from, or been threatened with, domestic abuse apply for an emergency court injunction.
