In a shocking case of sexual violence, a Manchester man has been sentenced to at least 14 years in prison for raping a woman in a local park and threatening her with an imitation firearm.
Usama Al-Sari, 28, approached his victim on 9 September and forced her to accompany him to Heaton Mersey Park in Stockport. There, he sexually assaulted her before she managed to flee and report the attack.
Within an hour of the victim’s call, police arrested Al-Sari after he dialed 999 himself to confess to the crime. He later pleaded guilty to a range of offences, including rape, sexual assault, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making a threat to kill, and possession of a Class B drug.
In addition to his 14-year prison sentence, Al-Sari will spend a further 8 years on licence upon release. He will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The victim praised the police for their support, stating that being “supported and treated with dignity made a huge difference.” Detective Constable Heather Parkes commended the victim’s courage, saying her decision to come forward “enabled our officers to ensure the offender saw justice.”
Parkes acknowledged the “shocking and incredibly rare incident” will have an “immeasurable impact” on the victim, but vowed that Greater Manchester Police are committed to “protect victims, provide the right care and support and pursue justice” in cases of this nature.
