Man jailed for raping and sexually assaulting woman in Chester

A man has been jailed after he was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a woman in a takeaway in Chester.

Muhammad Usman was found guilty of oral rape and sexual assault following a ten-day trial at Chester Crown Court which concluded today, Monday 22 January.

The 35-year-old, of Louise Street, Chester, has been sentenced to eight years in prison. He has also been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

A second man who was also charged in connection to the incident was found not guilty of all offences.

The case was reported to police in July 2023. The 20-year-old victim had been out in Chester city centre on the evening of Saturday 29 July, into the early hours of Sunday 30 July.

At around 3am on 30 July she was approached by a man in Foregate Street, who invited her into a takeaway on the same street to get some water.

Once inside the Caprinos Pizza branch, the woman was led to a room upstairs by the man.

When she was upstairs, the woman met Usman, who had been present in the premises. Despite telling him to stop, Usman orally raped and sexually assaulted the victim.

At around 4:30am, the victim left the establishment and, once home, the victim disclosed what had happened to her and the incident was reported to police.

Following the report, officers arrested the first suspect on Monday 31 July. They were interviewed on Tuesday 1 August before being charged.

Usman was circulated as wanted and was arrested on Saturday 5 August after travelling to another part of Cheshire, knowing the police were looking for him. He was charged the following day.

During the course of the investigation, officers discovered that Usman had been working at the takeaway, giving him access to the room where the victim was raped.

Following the sentencing, DC Hannah Wilkin said:

“Usman clearly showed predatory behaviour and thought he could take advantage of the victim in this case for his own sexual gratification.

“But thanks to the bravery of the victim throughout this investigation and the subsequent trial, as well as the hard work of officers, he has been found guilty of his crimes.

“I hope this verdict will also serve as a reminder that we will do everything we can to tackle crimes of this nature and we encourage those who have been a victim of a sexual offence to speak out.

“You will be taken seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, while offering you help and support. All victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20 .

In an emergency always call 999. Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.