MERON ZEREZEIGHI SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR BRUTAL RAPE AND ATTACK IN THORNABY

In October 2018, a young woman in Thornaby endured a horrifying ordeal at the hands of Meron Zerezeghi, a 17-year-old who subjected her to a series of violent and sexually assaultive acts that would leave lasting scars. This case marked a significant moment as Zerezeghi was publicly identified for the first time following a successful application by Teesside Live to lift reporting restrictions, allowing his name to be disclosed in connection with the heinous crimes.

During the proceedings, Zerezeghi appeared via a video link from Wetherby prison, where he was informed of his sentence. The court heard that he would serve a substantial term of 12 years in custody for his actions. Originally from Eritrea, Zerezeghi was accused of a brutal attack that took place inside a residence in Thornaby, where he assaulted a young woman with extreme violence. The Crown prosecution described his conduct as a “barrage of violence” that escalated after the victim attempted to escape from his grasp.

Evidence presented during the trial detailed how Zerezeghi not only sexually assaulted and raped the woman but also physically attacked her. The assault involved headbutting, strangulation, and threats to kill her, with the defendant pulling a knife from his sock and brandishing it as a weapon to intimidate her. The victim recounted that he also threatened her with a bottle of wine, further adding to her terror. Prosecutor David Lamb described how Zerezeghi repeatedly punched her, grabbed her neck, dragged her across the floor, and inflicted injuries by kicking her while she was on the ground. He also ripped her clothing and committed acts of sexual violence, including rape.

The incident occurred on March 17, when Zerezeghi made unwanted sexual advances in a bedroom before launching into a violent attack. The victim’s distress was so severe that a witness heard her screams, which sounded “like she was being murdered,” prompting her arrest. The police responded swiftly, and Zerezeghi was taken into custody shortly after the assault.

A victim statement, read aloud in court, expressed the profound impact of the attack, stating, “The defendant took something away from me that I feel I will never be able to get back. That thing I refer to is my life.” The court was told that the victim watched the sentencing via a video link, highlighting the emotional toll of the case.

In mitigation, the court heard that Zerezeghi had experienced an unstable upbringing and lacked substantial support from his family, who reside in his home country. Despite his young age, the court acknowledged his conduct in custody, describing him as a “model prisoner.” It was also noted that he was only 16 at the time of the offence, which influenced the sentencing decision.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, emphasized that Zerezeghi showed no remorse for his actions and was primarily concerned with himself throughout the proceedings. The judge condemned the attack as “the most dreadful, dreadful attack,” detailing how Zerezeghi threatened the victim with a knife, assaulted her with headbutts, and kicked her while she was on the ground. The injuries inflicted were clear and undeniable, and the judge made it explicit that the defendant’s claims that the victim wanted sex were false and a “dreadful lie.”

Following the conviction on five charges—rape, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, sexual assault, making a threat to kill, and perverting the course of justice—Zerezeghi was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and was subject to a lifelong restraining order preventing any contact with the victim. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the young woman who endured such a terrifying ordeal in Thornaby.