May 2023

Pervert ‘sniffed’ and sexually assaulted barely-conscious woman in Leeds city centre

A devastated woman who was sexually assaulted as she lay barely conscious in Leeds city centre said: “I would not wish it on anyone”

The female was attacked by Algerian Mohammed Rabi who insisted he walk her home after approaching her in a bar. He was then seen by shocked CCTV operators assaulting the “limp” female as she lay on the floor.

He was trying to drag her away when the police arrived to arrest him.

In a lengthy statement read to Leeds Crown Court, the woman, who cannot be named, said she is receiving counselling, relies on suicide helplines, is on medication and suffers constant panic attacks and night terrors.

She said: “I can no longer enjoy the sounds of the city I once loved. This incident has set me back more than I could ever imagine.

“This has completely shattered what I perceived to be safe and seriously made me question where, who and what around me is safe. I would not wish it on anyone.”

The court heard she had been drinking with a friend in The New Penny on Call Lane in the early hours of January 22. At round 6.25am the woman was seen on CCTV slumped near a pedestrian bridge in The Calls area.

Rabi was seen touching her groin area and appeared to be sniffing her, before putting his hands underneath her leggings or tights. He was then seen going through her handbag.

The police arrived to find Rabi trying to move her body by either dragging or pulling her limp body. He was quickly handcuffed and gave a false name, but later gave his correct details at the police station.

The woman later told police that Rabi had approached her and her friend in the pub and they had tried to get rid of him. He then offered to walk with her when she left on her own, despite trying to dissuade him.

She said she remembers telling him she had a boyfriend, but he got on top of her and tried to kiss her.