A sexual predator, Ahmed Al-Razawe, was jailed following a series of brazen attacks on women in Liverpool city centre. The 24-year-old Syrian national, who had entered the UK illegally and was seeking asylum while living in a hostel in Toxteth, targeted his victims in quick succession over just four days in late October 2021.
The first incident occurred around 11.30pm on Saturday, 23 October 2021, at Liverpool One bus station. Al-Razawe approached two teenage friends, aged 17 and 18, who were waiting for a taxi. He asked them for sex before groping their thighs and sliding his hand up one victim's shorts. One of the quick-thinking victims used her mobile phone to capture a photo and video of the attacker, which she later posted on Facebook to warn others and aid in his identification. The post reached the manager of Al-Razawe's hostel in Upper Park Street, Toxteth, who recognised him and promptly contacted the police.
- Key evidence from the first attack: Mobile phone photo and video posted on social media, leading to identification.
Undeterred, Al-Razawe struck again just days later, at around 12.40am on Wednesday, 27 October 2021, in Lydia Ann Street. Approaching two women walking down the street, he asked them to open a wine bottle he was carrying. When they ignored him and continued walking, he slapped and squeezed the bottom of one woman. As her friend protested, Al-Razawe swung his arm at her, prompting the assaulted woman to grab him around the neck. The pair fell to the ground, where the drunken attacker bit into her left breast and struck her on the head with the bottle. A nearby man shouted 'get off,' causing Al-Razawe to flee initially.
However, the victims were joined by a third female friend who bravely chased Al-Razawe down the street and caught up with him. A struggle ensued, during which she punched him in the face, causing him to bleed. His blood transferred to her clothing, providing crucial DNA evidence that later matched him definitively. The women also took additional photos of the suspect before he was formally identified in a police identity parade.
At Liverpool Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Henry Riding, detailed how Al-Razawe had treated his victims as 'sexual commodities' with 'no regard for their rights.' The victims provided harrowing impact statements. The 17-year-old described reliving the attack every time she closed her eyes, becoming more wary of people when out, and feeling relieved she was not alone. Her 18-year-old friend reported being jumpy at noises, struggling to sleep, and reliving the incident repeatedly, leaving her unwilling to go out. The third victim, in her 20s and new to Liverpool, suffered nightmares, discomfort in social situations, and a negative reaction to friendly touch from men. The breast bite left a permanent scar, affecting her clothing choices and serving as a constant reminder.
Facing overwhelming evidence, Al-Razawe pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. Recorder Harris, passing sentence, praised the bravery of the woman who chased and punched the defendant, noting her actions helped bring him to justice. The judge described Al-Razawe's 'predatory sexual approach to women,' highlighting his lack of insight or empathy and high risk of causing serious harm to women, as assessed by a probation officer. He attributed the attacks partly to drink and drugs, though Al-Razawe claimed no memory of the first incident.
The sentencing took place in April 2022 at Liverpool Crown Court, as reported by the Liverpool Echo and Manchester Evening News.