December 2023
A woman has been praised by police after her “predatory” rapist was jailed for nine years.
The victim was on her way home from a night out when Ismael Bahr Ishaq, who was a stranger, took her to a house in Middlesbrough and attacked her.
Cleveland Police said the 26-year-old “took advantage of a vulnerable woman”.
Ishaq, of Harewood Street, Middlesbrough, was jailed at Teesside Crown Court after being found guilty of rape.
Det Insp Matt Hollingsworth said such incidents were “thankfully very rare” and it had been a “challenging” investigation.
“A predatory male clearly took advantage of a woman who was vulnerable,” he said.
“I hope today’s outcome brings a degree of comfort to the survivor and we all wish her well.”
The court heard Ishaq, who came to Teesside to flee the war in Sudan, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the attack. Shortly after, his brave victim managed to get away and call the police. The Middlesbrough defendant was later arrested after being identified on CCTV.
Sentencing, Judge Armstrong said: “I take the view the psychological harm in this case was severe and the victim was particularly vulnerable due to her personal circumstances. Women walking on their own at any time need to feel they can do so without fear of attack by predators who may be lurking.”
The court heard Ishaq, of Harewood Street, is of previous good character but Judge Armstrong stressed little could be said in mitigation. The 26-year-old was handed a nine-year prison sentence.
Following sentencing, Homicide and Major Enquiry Team Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth said: “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.