Leeds Man Jailed for Brutal Rape in City Centre
A 31-year-old Leeds man has been locked up for seven and a half years after raping a young man in the city centre.
Abdi Wahab Abdulla Found Guilty of Rape and Attempted Rape
Abdi Wahab Abdulla, from Harehills Avenue, Leeds, was convicted at Leeds Crown Court after a four-day trial. He faced charges of rape, attempted rape, and theft from the same victim. Abdulla had already admitted stealing from the young man.
The shocking attack happened on the morning of 14 January 2023. The 19-year-old victim had fallen asleep inside Queens Arcade after a night out. CCTV footage captured Abdulla sneaking in and rifling through the victim’s pockets.
Chilling CCTV Captures Abdulla’s Sinister Move Before Assault
The victim awoke as Abdulla searched him. Disturbingly, Abdulla then helped the victim to his feet and walked out with him. The nightmare escalated when Abdulla followed the victim, brandishing a knife, and sexually assaulted him near the Merrion Centre.
Not done, Abdulla attempted to rape the victim again in Woodhouse Moor Park. After the ordeal, the victim discovered his phone, keys, and credit card were missing.
Quick Police Action Leads to Arrest and Conviction
The victim reported the assault the very same day. Police swiftly identified Abdulla from CCTV and arrested him on 12 February 2023. A DNA forensic match nailed him.
Abdulla now faces a hefty prison term and must register as a sex offender.
