10-years in jail for Ashford alleyway rapist

A ten-year jail term has been imposed on a man who raped a woman in an Ashford alleyway.

Haftom Etebarek was convicted of three counts of rape in relation to the incident near the town’s High Street in July 2021.

The 19-year-old, formerly of Pavilion Road, Folkestone, was sent to a Young Offenders’ Institution for 10 years at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday 15 June 2022.

Offence

Etebarek met the victim at a nightclub in the town and then followed her into an alleyway after she left the venue in the early hours of Saturday 31 July.

She tried to push him away as he approached, but he continued to move towards her, causing her to fall and hit her head.

Etebarek left the scene after raping the victim and she later reported what had happened to Kent Police.

Detectives obtained CCTV of the incident and Etebarek was arrested on Sunday 7 August. He denied the offences, but was found guilty following a trial.

Support for victims

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Richard Palmer said: ‘Kent Police is committed to protecting women and girls from violence and part of that is holding offenders to account for their actions.

‘This crime has had a lasting impact on the victim and I hope the jury’s verdicts and the sentence now passed assist her as she attempts to rebuild her life. She has shown incredible bravery and dignity throughout the investigation and trial process.

‘I would also like to thank local businesses in Ashford for their help with this investigation, and their work in keeping the town centre safe.

‘I urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence to report it to the police as soon as possible. We will make sure you are supported and will seek to bring perpetrators to justice.’

For more information on how the force is tackling Violence Against Women and Girls and safety advice visit: Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) | Kent Police