RAMEES AKKARA SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON IN BRIGHTON FOR RAPE
A man named Ramees Akkara has been convicted of raping a young woman in Brighton.The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 22, just before noon, when a woman in her 20s was dropped off by a taxi in The Avenue, Brighton.
She was attacked during her journey home but managed to initiate a video call to a friend, who recorded the incident and reported it to the police.
Authorities used the footage to track down the location of the attack and identify the suspect.
Ramees Akkara, 28, of Upper Bevendean Avenue in Brighton, was later found guilty by a jury at Hove Crown Court.
After her return home alone, police visited her address at around 2:40 am to investigate a potential sexual assault.
The woman received support from specialist officers while evidence was collected, but her exact whereabouts during the attack and the crime scene remained initially unknown.
Over the following days, detectives conducted enquiries in the Upper Bevendean Avenue area, with assistance from various specialist officers.
On Friday, October 1, officers entered an unlocked property on Upper Bevendean Avenue and recognized it from the video call footage.
Five men, who had returned to the property, were arrested on suspicion of rape and interviewed over the next 24 hours.
DNA testing results quickly identified one of the suspects.
A forensic sample from the victim matched the DNA of Ramees Akkara, leading to his re-arrest as enquiries continued.
On Monday, October 4, he was formally charged with rape and held in custody.
His trial was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 22.
This week, the jury unanimously convicted Akkara of rape.
He was sentenced to eight years behind bars and will be registered on the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Gillings commented on the case, saying: "This was a hugely distressing case for the young woman involved, who fell victim to a predatory offender in Akkara.
I would like to personally thank her for the incredible bravery she showed in supporting the investigation, which included giving evidence in court under extremely stressful circumstances.
Without her courage and support, this conviction would not have been possible." He added, "My thanks also go out to her quick-thinking friend who recorded the call, and to all of the people who helped to secure this conviction.
It was an incredible display of teamwork, and I am hugely proud to have worked with everyone on this case.
Many staff worked extended hours, prioritizing this investigation to ensure a dangerous male is no longer on the streets."
