Man sentenced to six years and four months for rape of a 22-year-old man in Manchester

On Tuesday 1 February 2022, officers received a rape disclosure of a 22-year-old man in Manchester City Centre.

After officers conducted initial enquiries, it was established the 22-year-old man was sexually assaulted by a stranger at around 3:30am on Monday 31 January 2023 in Manchester City Centre.

After extensive CCTV analysis, an achieving best evidence interview (ABE) with the victim and forensic analysis of the victim’s clothing, officers were able to identify the suspect with a partial DNA match from a previous arrest in 2021.

On Friday 20 May 2022, a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and was taken into custody for questioning. He was subsequently released on bail pending further investigation.

Rida Awof (12/03/1993) of Croft Street in Salford was charged with Rape on Wednesday 9 November 2022. On Tuesday 2 May 2023, on the first day of his trial Awof pleaded guilty to the charge at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Today (Friday 21 July 2023), Rida Awof was sentenced six years and four months and will serve a minimum of two thirds of his sentence. Awof will then face deportation from the UK.

Detective Constable Annabel Lewis of GMP’s City of Manchester district said: “Firstly, I want to acknowledge the victim of this horrific incident and I know the past 16 months have been extremely difficult for him.

“On the night of the incident, the victim was simply walking home from a night shift at work when he was approached by Awof, who began engaging in conversation with him. The victim was keen to get home and was continually harassed by Awof and followed.

“Awof continued to follow the victim and began to pressure the victim to go home with him and to perform sexual favours for Awof in public spaces.

“After countless times of the victim declining and not consenting to Awof’s advances, Awof became more persistent and aggressive, chasing the Victim across a main road and dragging him towards a doorway where he forced the victim to perform a sex act.

“Extremely distressed, the victim tried to get away from Awof who began following him again. The victim attempted to flag down numerous motorists and a cyclist however no-one stopped to help.

“Awof caught up to the victim, punched and kicked him following which he attempted to drag the Victim towards him until a nearby security officer saw the commotion and went to Victim’s aid. The security officer then took the victim to a safe place and Awof made off from the scene.

“I commend the victim for their bravery throughout this investigation and for having the courage to report this information. Because of their report, we were able to find and remove this individual from our streets.

“I would also like to thank the officers involved in this case for their full committed efforts in locating the offender and supporting the victim throughout this extremely distressing incident.

“Awof is an extremely dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him today. I truly hope that the sentence brings some form of peace to the victim and their loved ones.”

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 co-ordinated 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.