Stranger Raped Woman in Portsmouth – Rapist Jailed for Nine Years
A 20-year-old woman was brutally raped by a stranger in Portsmouth at around 12.30am on Sunday 20 September 2020. The victim was approached by two unknown men on Lake Road, who followed her onto Turner Road, where one of them attacked her.
Rapist Found Guilty After Intense Police Probe
After a detailed and complex investigation by Portsmouth’s Amberstone team, Abdelarahman Saleh Adam, from Gathorne Road, Wood 1, was charged with rape. Adam denied the offence but was found guilty by a jury at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 4 June.
Today (Friday 23 July), Adam was sentenced to nine years in prison. He must serve at least two thirds of his sentence behind bars and will be listed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Others Cleared as Rapist Brought to Justice
Several other suspects—two 18-year-old men, four 17-year-old boys, and a 16-year-old boy—were arrested but later released without charge and face no further action.
Judge Praises Victim’s Bravery: “She is the Hero”
“This is a brave young woman who has stood up for herself and justice and she is the hero who has prevailed in the end,” said Judge Recorder Robert Bright QC. “No-one should feel reluctant to report this kind of crime. Victims will be listened to, supported and encouraged by the police, CPS and other agencies.”
Detective Chief Inspector Roger Wood of Hampshire Constabulary’s Amberstone team praised the victim’s courage. “This was an incredibly traumatic ordeal for the victim, and I commend her bravery, which helped secure this verdict and put Adam in prison for what he’s done,” he said.
Portsmouth Chief Inspector Robert Mitchell added: “Stranger assaults of this nature are rare, but we take these allegations extremely seriously. The officers worked tirelessly to ensure justice was done. We want victims to have the confidence to come forward and speak to us.”
Police Urge Victims to Speak Out
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 to speak confidentially with an officer. Authorities promise full support and swift action to bring offenders to justice.
