Sex offender swiftly apprehended and brought to justice for sexual assault
A man has been jailed for six years after attacking and sexually assaulting a woman who had been enjoying a night out socialising with friends in Middleton. The victim will also have an indefinite restraining order against her to protect her, and he will be subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements.
Dewan Gazi (12/07/1980), of Croxdale Walk, Blackley, had previously been found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and one count of section 47 assault at Manchester Crown Court.
Shortly after midnight on Sunday 28 July 2024, the woman was walking home when she was suddenly confronted by Gazi, who grabbed her by the arms and began to touch her over her clothes.
The woman feared for her safety and began to shout for help, as well as punching the offender who continued his attack, including pulling at her shorts.
He then pushed his victim into nearby bushes with a low metal barrier, which she struck and caused her considerable pain.
Around this time, a man and woman in a nearby address heard the commotion and came out to find the man holding his victim on the pavement. After intervening and questioning Gazi, who claimed to be providing help, he ran off and the woman was assisted by the couple.
The man chased Gazi down the street and away from the area, before returning to help.
She was taken to hospital with pain and bruising – as well soreness to her fist where she had punched her attacker.
Following CCTV checks, Gazi’s vehicle was identified as being in the area around the time of the incident, and was later seized by officers as part of their enquiries.
Further CCTV footage showed Gazi working in a takeaway in Middleton, watching his victim walk past, before he ran out to his vehicle and followed her in his car shortly before launching his attack.
He was later arrested and charged with his offences by officers within Rochdale CID.
The man and woman who assisted the victim have since received a bravery award from GMP for their actions, and the judge commended their ‘neighbourhood spirit’ in coming to the victim’s aid and chasing away the attacker.
Detective Constable Russ Clarke, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said:
In the early hours of Saturday 27th 2024, Gazi identified his victim as vulnerable, and made the decision to stalk and attack her for his own sexual gratification. This was a premeditated attack of somebody making her way home after a social gathering.
It is clear from his predatory actions that he poses a significant danger to women, as was also recognised by the judge and probation. The impact on this victim cannot be over-estimated as she continues to come to terms with what happened. She suffered a serious injury to her leg during the attack which still causes her pain and restricts her movement.
Gazi has shown no remorse and taken no responsibility for his actions. He provided multiple accounts during his suspect interview in an attempt to explain the evidence that was put before him. He even provided the jury with a brand new account during the trial, in the belief that he could deceive them. They saw through his lies.
Despite remaining in significant distress, the victim in this case has shown incredible strength and bravery. Due to Gazi’s refusal to accept the compelling evidence put before him, the victim attended court to give her evidence, meaning she had to relieve the events of the early hours of that morning. It is due to her bravery that Gazi has now been convicted and imprisoned, protecting others from his predatory behaviour.
Gazi’s attack was halted by local residents coming to the victims aid and chasing him away from the scene. One resident even did this in a state of undress and I would like to personally thank both residents for their brave actions. They heard the victim cries for help and came outside without any thought for their own safety.
When incidents of this nature happen, we leave no stone unturned in our work to identify and prosecute those responsible.
