A 39-year-old man who carried out a series of rapes and other sexual assaults across Edinburgh between November 2018 and August 2020 has been jailed.
Emmanuel Anoliefo (pictured) was previously convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh in July 2022 of four charges of rape, involving three different women, two charges of sexual assault, three of threatening and abusive behaviour and one of stalking.
Today, Friday 19 August, Anoliefo was sentenced to 12 years in prison at the High Court in Glasgow.
Detective Sergeant Mark Seymour said: “Anoliefo preyed on women, some of whom he already knew. He deliberately decided to exploit others who he approached in the street and tried to befriend. He was ruthless, dangerous and cruel and has shown no remorse for his crimes.
“He claimed to have been brought up to respect women but his victims were left terrified and distraught and are still trying to come to terms with what has happened
“I commend the bravery of every woman who came forward, some of whom testified in court, and hope that the sentencing gives them some kind of closure.
“I would also like to thank the public for their response to our appeal for information in August 2020, as this assisted with our investigation which led to Anoliefo being apprehended and being brought to justice.
“Police Scotland is committed to bringing those responsible for sexual crimes to justice and anyone wishing to report this kind of crime, no matter when it happened, should contact us.”
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Emmanuel Anoliefo, 39, subjected a series of victims to sexual and physical assaults, targeting drug-dependent acquaintances who were nervous of contacting the police to report his crimes.
The Nigerian national – a known drug dealer – also stalked and intimidated strangers in the Granton area of Edinburgh, terrifying them with inappropriate propositions while they were shopping or on their way to work.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard how he was captured on CCTV arriving at what he believed to be the home of a young woman, letting himself through the front door uninvited and entering a bedroom.
Anoliefo, who moved to Scotland from London, was found guilty of four rapes and two sexual assaults between 2018 and 2020. He was also found guilty of stalking and harassment offences.
Returning to court for sentence today, he was given 12 years imprisonment. His name was added to the sex offenders register.
Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court, Ruth McQuaid, said:
“Emmanuel Anoliefo has been shown to be a sexual predator and a danger to women. His persistent harassment and stalking was terrifying to females who were simply going about their daily lives.
“Some of the women were known to him to be vulnerable and unlikely to report his behaviour – but he was wrong – and he has been brought to justice through the courage of his victims coming forward and speaking out.
“I would urge anyone who experiences similar offending to come forward, report it and seek help.”
https://www.copfs.gov.uk/about-copfs/news/twelve-years-for-edinburgh-rapist