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Samuel Gebru, 22, who resided in Toxteth, pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual assault and one count of Common assault, against two women in Aigburth across the same night in July.
He was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday 8 December.
At around 10.35pm on Monday 28 July, a women in her 20s was walking along Aigburth Road when she noticed Gebru following her. Gebru followed her up Lark Lane towards the junction with Sefton Grove and the victim turned to challenge him. Gebru then grabbed the victim by her arm and, following a brief altercation with the victim and the emergence of two people from the Albert public house, Gebru walked away. The incident was reported online on Wednesday 30 July.
At around 12.20am on Tuesday 29 July, a report was received of a second woman in her 20s being sexually assaulted off Aigburth Road by Gebru, who had followed her from Aigburth Road and attacked her in the street. Gebru made off on foot after residents were alerted. He was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday 30 July.
Gebru was in police custody for the second offence by the time the first offence was reported. Following an extensive investigation, including CCTV, doorbell footage and forensic work, Gebru was subsequently charged with both offences and remanded into custody.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Natalie Charlesworth said:
“We understand the huge concern that such serious offences cause in our communities, and it is pleasing to see that such a dangerous, predatory offender is now behind bars.
“Gebru subjected both of his victims to traumatic ordeals, and we are continuing to support both victims through this difficult process. I would like to thank them for their patience and strength in assisting our investigations, and share our hope that today's outcome at least provides some form of comfort moving forward.
“I hope this sentencing shows and reassures the public how seriously the courts take these offences and how Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting anyone from violence and sexual abuse.
“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us. Merseyside Police has a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.
“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims.”