Tesfagabriel Gebrzgabhir

On the evening of 1 February 2023, in the Guildhall area of Portsmouth, a woman in her 20s was approached by Tesfagabriel Gebrzgabhir, a 34-year-old man riding a distinctive neon green bicycle equipped with a Deliveroo delivery bag. The incident occurred around 10:15pm as the woman walked alone, unaware that Gebrzgabhir, who had no prior connection to her, was following her for a short distance.

As they neared the Cenotaph, Gebrzgabhir made his move, attempting to sexually assault the woman by trying to remove her clothes. He then indecently exposed himself, escalating the opportunistic attack. The victim, showing remarkable presence of mind, began filming the assailant on her mobile phone, which prompted Gebrzgabhir to cycle away from the scene. This footage, combined with the distinctive description of the bicycle and bag, proved crucial in the subsequent investigation.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary launched a thorough probe immediately after the report was made. Officers conducted extensive CCTV scoping in the Guildhall area and revisited the location of the offence. During these enquiries, detectives identified a man matching Gebrzgabhir's description riding the same neon green bicycle with a Deliveroo bag. This led to his arrest. Further DNA analysis confirmed his involvement, resulting in charges of attempted rape, despite an initial charge of sexual assault.

Gebrzgabhir, residing at Belmont Street in Portsmouth, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on 26 May 2023. He pleaded guilty to one count of attempted rape. The court sentenced him to six years and four months in prison, with an additional extended licence period of four years, bringing the total extended sentence to ten years and four months. The sentencing reflects the severity of the crime and its profound impact on the victim.

Police Constable Sarah Ball, who led the investigation from Hampshire Constabulary’s Eastern Police Investigation Centre, described the assault as 'an extremely concerning and opportunistic assault on a vulnerable woman.' She commended the victim's courage in reporting the incident and assisting the investigation, noting that the offender's actions have had 'immeasurable' effects on the survivor's life. This case underscores the constabulary's commitment to prioritising sexual offences and encouraging victims to come forward.