Rape survivor praised as attacker is jailed.
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Detectives have paid tribute to a survivor of rape as her attacker was jailed today, Friday 22nd December.
Last August the woman reported she had been making her way home from a night out when she was taken by an unknown male into a house in Gresham Middlesbrough and attacked.
Initial information on the suspect - and even the exact location of the offence – was limited however following extensive enquiries by officers and staff from Cleveland Police HMET (Homicide and Major Enquiry Team) Ismael Bahr Ishaq, 26, was arrested.
He was later charged with rape and was convicted yesterday at Teesside Crown Court.
Today he attended the same court and was sentenced to nine years in prison, whilst the police enquiry team was commended for their work by the Judge.
Incidents like this are thankfully very rare HMET Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth said, and he added: “This was a challenging enquiry where in the very early hours of the morning a predatory male clearly took advantage of a woman who was vulnerable.
“She reported this to police and received specialist help from outside agencies while the investigation took place, while herself engaging with and supporting our enquiries.
“This sentence reflects the gravity of this kind of crime and victims should be reassured that we will do all we can to support them throughout the police investigation and the court process itself to enable us to stop these people hurting anyone else.
"I hope today’s outcome brings a degree of comfort to the survivor and we all wish her well.”
The Teesside SARC offers free support and practical help to anyone in Teesside who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse, whether or not they want to involve police.
