ALHAJI SESAY, FORMER BRISTOL CITY FOOTBALLER, SENTENCED IN BRISTOL
Alhaji Sesay, a former goalkeeper for Bristol City, has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of rape.Described as a highly talented footballer who achieved his dream of turning professional, Sesay's life took a dark turn, Bristol Crown Court heard.
The jury was told how he sexually assaulted a woman in the female toilet of a Bristol nightclub.
Following his arrest and subsequent police investigation, Sesay targeted a second woman in the female toilet of a nightclub in London.
The 22-year-old, residing on Barnfield Gardens in London, denied the accusations.
Nevertheless, after a three-week trial, the jury found him guilty of attempted rape of the Bristol woman, as well as attempted rape and rape of the London woman.
Judge Michael Cullum sentenced him to ten years in prison, stating, "In some ways you are a brazen sexual predator.
To that extent you are dangerous.
There’s a risk, if you are released today, of you acting in a similar way.
But you are not going to be released today.
You are not going to be released for many years." The judge ordered Sesay to notify police of his whereabouts for life and prohibited him from working with children and vulnerable adults.
Prosecutor James Tucker explained that Sesay groped a woman in the female toilets of a Bristol nightclub in 2019.
After being arrested, interviewed, and released, he then attempted to rape, including oral rape, a second woman in a London nightclub last year.
The first complainant described her experience as feeling like she left her own body during the assault and said she has suffered significant trauma.
She stated, "I am left in a constant state of hyper-vigilance.
I see the worst of people when I used to see the best." The second woman reported pre-existing anxiety disorder worsened by the attack, adding, "I look at men differently now.
I wonder if they are dodgy and what they are capable of.
Anything can happen, anywhere." Defence solicitor Sophie Shotton remarked, "This is a young man whose career is now in tatters.
Football has been all he's known from a very young age.
It was the only career option because of his limited education.
He came to the UK with the aim of furthering his education, succeeding in football, making his mother proud, and supporting her financially." DC Toby Hayes of Bristol CID stated, "Alhaji Sesay is a predatory sexual offender who brazenly targeted women at nightclubs.
CCTV footage during investigations showed him entering female toilets where the attacks occurred.
The victims have all been through a harrowing experience.
I want to commend their incredible bravery and perseverance in providing crucial evidence that led to his conviction.
I also thank the public who assisted with inquiries." Hayes added, "Given the nature of his crimes, there may be other victims who have not yet reported incidents.
I urge them to come forward — they will be listened to and believed.
If not to the police, then to someone they trust."
