20-year sentence for violent rapist who attacked woman on a night out

A man has been jailed for 13 years, with an extended licence of seven years, after being found guilty of raping a woman on a night out in Manchester in August 2022.

Fabrice Kapena (14/08/1992), of Bridgelea Road, Manchester, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court yesterday (24 February 2025), for offences of rape, robbery, theft, and strangulation.

The court heard how a woman enjoying a night out at a bar in Deansgate in the early hours of 7 August was approached by Kapena, who said he would be able to get her and her group into another venue, claiming to know the people who worked on the door.

After getting in his car, Kapena promised to loop back and pick her friends up, but he continued to drive out of the city centre, becoming increasingly threatening throughout the following journey.

After arriving in quiet road, Kapena pushed himself onto the victim, who was then grabbed around the neck and strangled, before being subjected to a horrific rape.

During the attack, the woman fought back and hit and scratched his face, while fearing for her life as he continued his aggressive assault.

Upon managing to exit the vehicle, Kapena continued to be aggressive, and the woman attempted to calm the man while she searched for her phone, as she feared another attack

At around 3am the victim was able to ring the doorbell to a nearby care home, with a care assistant at the home immediately called 999 and provided support to her. The attending officers likewise ensured she received the appropriate care, with the specially-trained officers utilising the appropriate measures given the account of the victim.

Following an investigation by officers at GMP, Kapena was identified and a warrant executed at his home, in which he was arrested.

Kapena was additionally sentenced for a robbery and theft in the months preceding the sexual offence. In February that year, a woman was taken to Kapena's address, before becoming uncomfortable and leaving the property. She later discovered that her bag no longer contained her phone or bank card.

On 31 July, Kapena began speaking to a woman in Manchester city centre, before driving her to the Withington area. He then became increasingly threatening, before taking the woman's phone and punching her to the ground.

The woman was left in the area with no way of getting home, before eventually flagging a bus down.

Detective Inspector Andy Worthington, from GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: “Kapena’s disgusting crimes have now resulted in a lengthy prison sentence, and I am glad that he is now behind bars for his offences.

“Fabrice Kapena is a dangerous individual who subjected a woman to a vicious attack and I want to commend her bravery during this process, which I know has been incredibly difficult.

“I would urge any victims of sexual offences to get in touch with us. You will be listened to, believed, and we will do our best to get you the justice you deserve.”

Reporting 

Along with our partner agencies, we will be there to help and support you all the way.

You can report to us by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report online, or use our Live Chat service, as the victim in this case did.

Where to find support

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint 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]

- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.