Fawzi Omar

On the early morning of 8 May 2024, Fawzi Omar, a 27-year-old man of no fixed abode, targeted a woman walking home alone in Exeter city centre. Approaching her unexpectedly, Omar grabbed the victim and sexually assaulted her, ignoring her protests that she did not consent to the attack. The incident, described in court as a horrific assault on a complete stranger, was captured on CCTV footage from the city centre's surveillance system operated by Exeter City Council.

Exeter Crown Court heard details of the case on 22 November 2024, where Omar pleaded guilty to sexual assault. The diligent efforts of a CCTV operator proved crucial in tracking Omar after the assault. Although he initially evaded police by moving out of frame, his image was circulated among operators. On 11 June 2024, at 1:25am, an operator spotted a man matching Omar's description—wearing the same clothing and displaying a distinctive walk—on South Street. Police were alerted immediately, leading to Omar's arrest on suspicion of sexual assault.

Despite initially denying the offence, forensic evidence sealed the case. DNA samples from Omar matched swabs taken from the victim exactly, prompting a Magistrates’ extension while results were fast-tracked. Previously unknown to police, Omar had remained at large for four weeks following the attack. Detective Inspector Paula Trevett of Devon and Cornwall Police commended the victim's bravery and the collaborative work of response officers, neighbourhood teams, CCTV operatives, and CID investigators. "We are happy that Fawzi Omar is now behind bars for a horrific attack carried out on a complete stranger," Trevett stated, highlighting the team's drive to make Exeter's streets safer for women and girls.

Cllr Laura Wright, Exeter City Council’s Deputy Leader and Member Champion for the Safety of Women and Girls at Night, praised the CCTV Control Room's role. "It’s cases like this that demonstrate the true value of our city centre CCTV Control Room. We have an excellent team that work closely with the police, and through their hard work and determination are able to stop potential offences taking place and bring offenders like Omar to justice," she said. The sentencing at Exeter Crown Court resulted in Omar receiving four years' imprisonment, followed by four years on extended licence, ensuring significant oversight post-release.