Yousef Al-Alawi

A 21-year-old man from St George, Bristol, has been imprisoned following a guilty plea to serious sexual offences committed in the city centre. Yousef Al-Alawi appeared at Bristol Crown Court on 10 April 2019, where he admitted to one count of sexual assault by touching and another count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. The incident, described in court as 'distressing', occurred in the early hours of 15 July 2018 on a set of steps between Bristol Cathedral and the Marriott Hotel.

According to details presented in court, Al-Alawi's DNA was discovered on the victim, providing crucial evidence that compelled his admission of guilt. The attack took place in a public area, highlighting the vulnerability of victims in urban settings. Investigating officer Detective Constable Joscella Thomason from Avon and Somerset Constabulary commended the victim's bravery in supporting the investigation, stating: “This was an extremely distressing ordeal for the victim and I’d like to praise the bravery she showed following the incident and thank her for supporting our subsequent investigation.”

Thomason further noted the strength of the evidence against Al-Alawi, saying: “Al-Alawi had no choice but to admit he was responsible for the attack due to the weight of evidence against him.” The custodial sentence of 12 months was welcomed by the officer, who added: “I welcome the custodial sentence given to him and I hope it shows the public how seriously we treat sexual assaults of all kinds.” The case underscores the role of forensic evidence in securing justice for sexual assault victims, as reported by Bristol Live on 11 April 2019.