Alex Belay, a 26-year-old man, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for raping a grandmother he met at a bus stop in Sefton, Merseyside. The woman, who initially thought Belay was a “nice lad,” agreed to go back to his flat after missing the last bus home. However, once at his flat, Belay threatened her with a knife and subjected her to a horrific attack during which she feared for her life. The victim pleaded to leave, but Belay locked the door, took her phone, and held a knife to her stomach and throat. After raping her, Belay callously smirked, leaving the woman traumatized.
During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, the judge heard how the rape survivor genuinely believed Belay would kill her. Belay denied the assault, showing no remorse, and the victim’s mental health was severely impacted. She made numerous suicide attempts and felt angry at herself for trusting him. Belay, an asylum seeker from Eritrea who fled civil war in Sudan, was found guilty of rape and will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before becoming eligible for release. Despite his traumatic upbringing, the judge emphasized the devastating effect of Belay’s attack on the victim and commended her bravery for speaking out against him.
The woman had been visiting a friend and encountered Belay at the bus stop while trying to catch the last bus home. He invited her to his flat, where the horrific assault took place. The victim attempted to leave but was threatened with a knife and held against her will. Belay’s DNA was found in her underwear, and she was able to provide detailed descriptions of the assault, his clothing, and his flat. Despite denying the encounter, Belay was found guilty due to overwhelming evidence. The victim has struggled to overcome the trauma and continues to suffer greatly from the attack.
Belay’s defense attorney acknowledged the severity of the offense and the psychological harm caused to the victim. The court was informed that as a first-time offender, Belay might face deportation due to his status as an asylum seeker. The victim’s ordeal, which left her feeling destroyed and betrayed, underscores the long-lasting impact of sexual assault on survivors. Belay’s callous actions have shattered her mental well-being and left her struggling with the aftermath of the attack. The judge commended the victim for her bravery in standing up against her attacker and acknowledged her resilience in facing the traumatic experience.
The trial exposed the brutality of the assault and Belay’s lack of remorse, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll on the survivor. The judge emphasized the devastating impact of Belay’s actions on the victim’s life and mental health, leaving her feeling betrayed and destroyed. Belay’s sentencing reflects the severity of the crime and the need for justice for survivors of sexual assault. Despite the trauma she endured, the victim’s strength and courage in seeking justice against her attacker have been commended by the court. Belay’s incarceration serves as a critical reminder of the consequences of such heinous acts and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
