An Oldham man has been jailed after raping a woman twice in Liverpool city centre.

Samir Al Tawel appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Monday, March 11) to be sentenced after being found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of theft following a trial on Friday, March 8.

In March last year, it was reported that a woman in her 20s was raped by a man in an alleyway in Liverpool.

After an extensive investigation, Al Tawel, of Somerset Street, Oldham, was arrested and charged with the offences.

In a statement read out in court, the victim said: “Every single way that it could have affected me it has, physically, mentally, emotionally and it has affected my quality of life immensely.

“I have had to undergo counselling to find the inner strength in me to keep going. 

“I have cried, screamed, shouted and gone through every emotion possible trying to cope with what you did to me.

“I haven’t been able to bring myself to tell my family, even my own mother doesn’t know as I  know it will break her. I haven’t told my sisters either, we are usually a close-knit family but I just can’t bring myself to tell them.”

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Al Tawel, 28, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and will be subject to the sexual offender notification requirements for life.

Detective Constable Becky Robinson, who led the investigation, said: “Following a lengthy investigation and despite the evidence against him, Al Tawel put the victim through the trauma of a trial.

“I would like to praise the courage and dignity shown by the victim throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

"Today’s results shows that violence against women and girls will simply not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.

“We are committed to protecting victims of sexual offences, and anyone who reports an incident to us will be safeguarded and supported throughout the investigation by specially trained officers and sexual violence advocates who will provide all the relevant support.

“Anyone that has been a victim of a sexual offence is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us. 

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and work with partner organisations such as Victim Care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims if this crime.” 

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, you are encourage 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 the 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.

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 help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

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.

Support for Domestic Abuse:

SafeLives.org.uk
Providing domestic abuse support and guidance.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free 24-hour helpline, guidance and support for victims.

National Centre for Domestic Violence
Provides a free service that lets anyone who has recently suffered from, or been threatened with, domestic abuse apply for an emergency court injunction.