Rapist jailed for attack on 'vulnerable' man, 19

A man has been jailed for seven years and six months for rape and attempted rape of a man in Leeds.

Abdi Wahab Abdulla, of Harehills Avenue in the city, was found guilty of the two offences on Friday following a four-day-trial at Leeds Crown Court.

On 16 January 2023, the 29-year-old followed the victim and threatened him with a knife, before raping him near the Merrion Centre and attempting a second attack in Woodhouse Moor Park.

Det Con Jack Powell said Abdulla had taken advantage of the 19-year-old, who was "heavily intoxicated ... in an extremely vulnerable state and unable to consent to any sexual activity".

"The way Abdulla followed him over a considerable period of time demonstrates a predatory nature and shows the danger that he poses," he said.

Abdulla approached the victim in the early hours of the morning in Queens Arcade in the city centre.

CCTV footage showed him search the younger man, who had fallen asleep after a night out, and take his phone, keys and credit card.

After the man stirred, Abdulla helped him to his feet and walked out with him before going on to attack him.

He initially denied a charge of theft, but changed his plea to guilty before trial.

The victim reported the offences to police the same day and Abdulla was arrested on 12 February 2023.

He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Powell said the victim had received specialist support throughout the investigation, and urged other victims of attacks to come forward.

"These offences have had a huge impact on the victim, and I know no sentence can or will ever make up for the awful ordeal that he has suffered," he added.

"Offences against boys and men in particular are believed to be under-reported.

"I want to reassure male victims that you are not alone and that there should be no stigma in coming forward."

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