A rapist has been jailed for 15 years after he stalked a woman for hours before launching a heinous attack. Nzar Salah approached his victim while she was out walking in Crewe in 2023.
Chester Crown Court heard the 28-year-old then followed her and sexually harassed her for hours before going on to commit the sustained attack.
The shocking assault was reported to Cheshire Police the following day and Salah was immediately arrested. Prior to the attack, the victim became fearful of Salah’s suspicious behaviour as he followed her and began recording on her phone for her own safety.
During the investigation, officers found that the victim’s phone had recorded the entire attack on an audio file which provided crucial evidence in the case and led to a jury finding him guilty of three counts of rape.
The 14-day trial concluded last September and Salah, of Derrington Avenue, Crewe, has now been sentenced to 15 years behind bars after which he will be deported.
Nzar Salah
Speaking after the case, Detective Superintendent Helena Banusic, of Cheshire Police, said: “I would first like to commend the victim for her bravery and courage shown throughout this case, and I hope this result will provide her some closure after what she has had to endure.
“What Salah did to the victim is deplorable, and then he put her through the trauma of having to relive the experience by way of a trial. Securing justice for the victim and ensuring the local community is safeguarded from this dangerous and depraved individual has been our number 1 priority throughout this investigation.
“In addition, as Salah is originally from Iraq, we will now be starting the process to enable him to be deported once he has served his sentence.”
Sign up for the latest breaking news and top stories from StokeonTrentLive on WhatsApp