Cambridge: Parker's Piece Rapist Jailed

29 March 2012, 08:34 | Updated: 29 March 2012, 09:12

A 29 year old man who raped a woman on Parker's Piece has been jailed for six years.

Ali Aboalkassem attacked the victim as she walked to work in Cambridge shortly after 6am on October 11th last year.

He approached the 32-year-old and asked for a light before offering her a drink. When she refused and tried to walk away he grabbed her and dragged her off the path. She screamed but he punched her several times before raping her. He then took her phone before running off. The victim waved down a cyclist who called police.

Aboalkassem's DNA was discovered on the victim and on a bottle of alcohol (pictured) from the scene of the attack.

He was arrested at a cafe in Mill Road on October 16th.

He pleaded guilty to rape at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday (March 26th) and was sentenced to six years. He will be deported to palestine on his release.

Detective Inspector Karryann Beeby said: "This has been a traumatic experience for the victim and I'm pleased the offender has been brought to justice without the need for her to relive her ordeal at trial."

"She showed extreme bravery in giving a thorough account to police which helped identify her attacker."

"Aboalkassem is a dangerous man who targeted a lone woman as she was walking to work. Her life has been turned upside down by the attack but I hope she will take some comfort from the fact he has been locked up and will be deported on completion of his sentence."