SWINDON PREDATOR SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR ATTACKS ON WOMEN

A man identified as Woundoson Gabre, aged 21, from Saltash Road, Rodbourne, was involved in a series of brutal attacks over a two-day period. He appeared at Swindon Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges including one count of rape, two counts of attempted rape, actual bodily harm, and perverting the course of justice. Gabre was sentenced to 13 years in prison along with an additional five-year extended license. The first incident occurred in the early hours of 29 May 2022, when Gabre targeted a woman in her 50s in an alleyway between Corporation Street and Aylesbury Street while she was returning home from a night out. He attempted to assault her sexually, but a member of the public intervened. Gabre then misled the authorities by falsely claiming he was also assaulted. The following day, Gabre attacked two more women. At around 01:30 BST, he assaulted a woman in her 30s on Manchester Road, punching her multiple times and attempting to rape her, but she managed to fight back and escape on his bicycle. Later that day, at approximately 20:00, he took another woman back to his residence before raping her at knifepoint. The victims shared personal statements describing the long-lasting physical and emotional scars resulting from the attacks. One victim said her facial scar serves as a constant reminder of that night, affecting her emotional well-being and trust in relationships. Another mentioned her mental health deterioration and increased depression, and the third was diagnosed with PTSD following her trauma. The investigating officer, DC Emma Rossiter, characterized Gabre as a predatory individual who specifically targeted vulnerable women within a short span, emphasizing that his actions caused deep physical and mental trauma to the victims. Gabre was also found guilty of lying to authorities and obstructing justice during the investigation. The case was described as complex and lengthy, leading to substantial charges including perverting the course of justice. The victims expressed their difficulty in moving past the incidents, highlighting the trauma they suffer still. The sentence aims to provide some closure, according to police. The court's verdict underscores the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victims.