Thirty-nine-year-old man found guilty on five counts of rape after he followed and attacked intoxicated people in the city centre

Today (Thursday 24 July 2025) Sid Ali Djelid (09/01/1986) - also known under the alias of Mourad Malki - of Smedley Road, Manchester, has been convicted on five counts of rape in the city centre following a five-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

The court heard how the series of rapes took place between February and July 2024, and how Djelid would pray on, and attack intoxicated victims in the city centre.

The first of the three attacks came on Sunday 18 February 2024 which occurred in the early hours of the morning. CCTV footage shows Djelid leading his female victim down a secluded back street near to China Town before raping her and stealing her mobile phone and making off.

Her mobile phone was tracked to Smedley Road in Cheetham Hill, very close to Djelid’s home address.  

Djelid, believed to be an Algerian national committed his second crime on Wednesday 12 June 2024, the victim - who was visiting Manchester with work – was approached by Djelid outside a bar on Canal Street. After engaging in conversation with the victim, he walked him to a remote location close to Richmond Street and raped him.

Once again, Djelid stole items from the victim, namely his phone, watch and a necklace.The stolen phone of the victim was tracked near to Vallea Court in Cheetham Hill.

During that incident, Djelid is shown on CCTV to be wearing a distinctive, black puffa jacket.    

Djelid’s final attack before being apprehended on Sunday 21 July 2024, came three days earlier on 18^th July 2024, Djelid approached his male victim who was visiting Manchester and offered to assist him back to his hotel as he was lost. Djelid was acting as a concerned good Samaritan but his intentions were anything but sincere.

Instead, he led the victim to a secluded area of the canal at Jutland Street and raped him.

Similar to the previous incidents, he took the victims phone and wallet and pushed the victim to the ground before making his escape. A short time later Djelid attended a service station in Cheetham Hill and utilised one of the bank cards to make a fraudulent transaction before attempting to make a further transaction using the stolen back card but that was declined. The stolen mobile phone was again tracked to the Cheetham Hill area.

Djelid had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at an earlier hearing linked to this investigation.

Senior Investigating Officer Paul Davies from our Major Incident Team said: "Firstly, I would like to commend all the victims who came forward. Without them Djelid may not have been caught and could still be prowling the streets. 

“Being drunk is not a crime. Everybody who visits the city centre should feel safe. Safe in the knowledge that they can go and enjoy themselves without fear of being attacked. 

“What makes these crimes particularly heinous is the deliberate and premeditated nature of Djelid’s actions. He would specifically seek out intoxicated individuals, often presenting himself as an upstanding member of the public, before leading them to secluded locations.

“He would then subject them to horrific sexual attacks and steal their belongings which included mobile phones and bank cards which he would then use. 

“These convictions reflect not only the severity of Djelid’s crimes but also the lasting impact they have had on his victims. Such predatory behaviour has no place in Greater Manchester, and those who feel it is acceptable to commit offences of this sort will be brought to justice.

“If you have been affected by this case or believe that you may have been a victim of Sid Ali Djelid, then please contact us on 101 or via our website www.gmp.police.uk and make a report using the ‘Live Chat’ function in the bottom right corner quoting Operation Baycliff

“All reports made to us will be fully investigated and specialist officers will be on hand to support you through the investigation.”

Rebekah Tomlinson, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Sid Ali Djelid is a serial sex offender who posed serious danger to both men and women – carrying out his horrifying crimes in one of the most celebrated and historic nightlife hotspots in the country.

“The way he targeted lone individuals who he believed would be vulnerable was both calculating and insidious. Having raped his victims, he also stole their property before he fled.

“Canal Street holds a special place in the heritage of Manchester and the LGBT community, and those on a night out have the right to enjoy themselves free from the fear of abuse and attack.

“Djelid’s crimes will doubtless leave a lasting impact on the victims – and my deepest thanks goes to them for supporting this prosecution. Without their evidence, this dangerous man would still be in our community.”

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).

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 and nationally that can help and provide support for you.

For more information and to find 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.

Trafford Rape Crisis and Manchester Rape Crisis are run by women for women who have experienced rape and sexual abuse. They are both confidential and can provide 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.

We Are 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.

Sid Ali Djelid (09/01/1986) has been convicted on five counts of rape in the city centre