AMANUEL TSEGAY AND THE SHOCKING SEX CRIMES IN MANCHESTER AND PRESTON
Amanuel Tsegay, a 37-year-old man with ties to Manchester and Salford, carried out a series of horrifying assaults in the Preston area, which led to a lengthy prison sentence and strict post-release conditions.On September 22, 2019, Tsegay traveled from Manchester to Preston by train, embarking on a disturbing spree that targeted vulnerable women in the city.
Following his arrest, Lancashire Police released chilling CCTV footage showing Tsegay moving through the streets of Preston with a predatory intent.
This footage was instrumental in both his identification and subsequent conviction.
On Wednesday, May 4, at the Sessions House in Preston, he was formally sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison for his heinous acts.
The judge also imposed a six-year extended license period, reflecting the dangerous nature of his crimes, and mandated that Tsegay register as a sex offender for life.
Det Insp Fiona Jackson from Lancashire Police described Tsegay as a sexual predator whose actions were clearly visible in the CCTV recordings.
She emphasized, “Amanuel Tsegay is a sexual predator and it is clear from CCTV footage that he was prowling around the centre of Preston looking for vulnerable women.” The crimes committed by Tsegay included the rape of an 18-year-old woman, an ordeal she endured at approximately 4.20 a.m.
after leaving a night out in the city.
She was alone on Lancaster Road when she encountered Tsegay near the Harris Museum.
The predator then coerced her into moving towards an area of grassland situated between the Guild Hall and the bus station, where he committed the assault.
In a powerful victim impact statement read aloud during the court proceedings, the young woman described how her life had been altered forever.
“Before that night I was happy, I liked to meet new people and make new friends.
I didn't have any worries and now that has all changed.” She added that she had been struggling with insomnia, recurring nightmares, and had been compelled to give up her job because of persistent anxiety caused by the trauma.
Another victim, a 19-year-old woman, also fell prey to Tsegay’s predatory behavior that same night.
She had kindly offered him some food, which appeared to have momentarily disarmed him.
However, he then forcefully assaulted her, leaving her with lasting fears about venturing outside her own home.
This case underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary responded to Tsegay’s crimes, highlighting the importance of police efforts to protect the vulnerable and hold offenders accountable.
The community and victims alike can take some reassurance in the severe punishment handed down, though the scars left behind are deep and lasting.
