A sexual predator who befriended a woman in Bedford before taking her to a property and raping her has been jailed for nine years. Robel Gebremariam targeted the woman after spotting her walking through Greyfriars during the early hours of 6 July 2024. The 25-year-old approached the victim and walked alongside her before taking her to a nearby shop, where he bought her a bottle of alcohol.
He then booked a taxi and took the woman to the house where he was staying. Once there, he supplied her with more alcohol before raping her.
Victim reported attack
The victim reported the assault to police shortly afterwards, prompting an investigation by Bedfordshire Police‘s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team.
Detectives used intelligence-led enquiries and CCTV footage to identify Gebremariam as the suspect.
Following a four-day trial earlier this year, Gebremariam, of Dudley Street, Bedford, was found guilty of rape.
Sentenced at Crown Court
Appearing at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday 14 July, Gebremariam was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment. He was also handed a one-year extended licence, meaning he will remain under supervision after his release from prison.
Bedfordshire Police said the investigation highlighted the commitment of specialist officers to supporting victims of sexual offences and bringing dangerous offenders before the courts.
