http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/rapist-who-plucked-woman-street-9102409
Rapist who plucked woman off the street and subjected her to horrifying attack loses sentencing appeal
13:51, 22 OCT 2016 UPDATED 14:19, 22 OCT 2016
BY BEN HURST
Mebrahtom Abrha attacked the 21-year-old victim as she walked to her boyfriend's home in the Toxteth area of Liverpool
A rapist who plucked a young woman off the street before subjecting her to a horrifying attack has been told by top judges he cannot complain about his sentence.
Mebrahtom Abrha attacked the 21-year-old victim as she walked to her boyfriend's home in the Toxteth area of Liverpool.
He fled the city but was later found living in Birmingham after an appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch programme.
Abrha admitted two counts of rape at Liverpool Crown Court in January.
The Birmingham Mail reports the 25-year-old, who is originally from Eritrea, east Africa, was handed an extended sentence of 15 years after being branded a danger to the public.
He tried to challenge his sentence at the Court of Appeal, in London, arguing it was “excessive”.
But his appeal bid was rejected by three of the country’s most senior judges, who said the sentence was justified in light of his “shocking” crimes.
The attack happened on July 19 last year, in Toxteth, Liverpool, as the victim made her way to her boyfriend’s house.
Abrha followed her for about 10 minutes, before grabbing her, dragging her to a secluded grassy area, and raping her twice.
Abrha, who lived in Wavertree at the time, then casually walked away - leaving his distraught victim.
But he fled the city and moved to Birmingham after police launched a CCTV appeal for witnesses.
He was eventually caught after the appeal was featured on Crimewatch and officers received information which led them to him.
Abrha’s lawyers argued his jail term was over the top in light of his admissions of guilt and lack of previous convictions.
They also said the crown court judge was wrong to conclude he posed a danger to the public.
However, dismissing his appeal, Lord Justice Davis said the sentence could not be criticised.
Sitting with Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb and Judge Peter Rook QC, he added: “In our view, given the significant aggravating features in this case, the judge was fully entitled to reach the conclusion he did with regards sentence.”
Abrha’s sentence will see him serve at least two thirds of a 10-year jail term behind bars.
He will also be subject to five extra years on licence after his sentence expires.
http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article9101123.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Mebrahtom-Abrha.jpg
Mebrahtom Abrha
Received on Sat Oct 22 2016 - 13:54:18 EDT
