A 31-year-old man from Leeds has been locked up for seven and a half years after being found guilty of raping a man in a disturbing incident in the city centre.
Attack Caught on CCTV
Abdi Wahab Abdulla, of Harehills Avenue, was convicted at Leeds Crown Court following a four-day trial. He was found guilty of rape and attempted rape and had already admitted theft against the same victim.
The crimes took place on the morning of 14 January 2023. The 19-year-old victim had fallen asleep inside Queens Arcade after a night out. CCTV footage showed Abdulla entering the arcade, searching the victim, and stealing from him before helping him to his feet and escorting him out.
Threatened with a knife, the victim followed the attacker across Leeds
Abdulla then followed the victim while threatening him with a knife. Near the Merrion Centre, he orally raped the victim before attempting an anal rape in Woodhouse Moor Park. The victim noticed his phone, keys, and credit card were missing after the assault.
The victim reported the horrific attack to the police the same day. Abdulla was identified through CCTV images and a DNA match. He was arrested on 12 February 2023.
Judge Praises Police Work
Sentencing Abdulla on 27 March, the judge praised the detectives for their thorough investigation. Abdulla will also be added to the Sex Offenders Register as part of his sentence.
