Following an extensive investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Longsight CID, two men appeared at Manchester Crown Court today (21/12/23). They were jailed for the rape of a woman in an alleyway near Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester City Centre, which took place on 16 May 2021.
Juan Quinones (born 27/04/1999) of Aspell Close, Middleton in Rochdale was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Brian Jalo (born 16/02/1998) of Sugar Mill Square in Salford was also sentenced to 12 years in prison.
The attack happened after the victim, then aged 18, and her friend met Quinones and Jalo the previous day, 15 May 2021. The men approached the women, spoke with them for some time, and exchanged contact details on Instagram.
On the night of the attack, the victim and her friend were staying in a hotel near Piccadilly Gardens. After both returned to the hotel, the victim left again on her own.
Quinones and Jalo saw the woman leaving the hotel, attacked her, and raped her in an alleyway.
The victim managed to return to the hotel in a distressed state following the attack. Her mobile phone was missing and has never been recovered.
She contacted the police, and an investigation was immediately launched. After a public appeal for information, CCTV footage was provided to the police, which led to the identification and arrest of Jalo and Quinones on 19 May 2021.
A third man was later acquitted of sexual assault and aiding and abetting the rape.
Detective Constable Stuart Kassim, of GMP Longsight CID, said: “I want to thank the victim for her bravery in reporting her attack and putting her trust in the police to investigate. This was a horrific ordeal which has been prolonged by her attackers refusing to admit their guilt and forcing her to re-live that night by giving evidence at trial.
“It was a vile and predatory attack on a lone woman by a pair who worked together to lure her away from safety to rape her. Their actions were cold and calculating and I am pleased the sentence has placed them safely behind bars.
“Ultimately, it is thanks to the bravery of the victim, as well as members of the public who answered our CCTV appeal and the dedication of the investigation team, that both offenders will now spend years of their lives behind bars.
“I hope this case gives other victims reassurance that GMP will seek to arrest and prosecute offenders. And I hope it encourages more victims to come forward and report what happened to them to the police.”
Support Available
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report information and crimes on the GMP website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the ‘report’ tool. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There are also many organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester that can help and provide support. For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available, please visit GMP’s support pages.
Support for Rape and Sexual Assault:
St. Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated response to men, women, and children who have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support, as well as counselling services for all ages. Services are available 24 hours and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support, and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Contact them on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected].
Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
Support for Domestic Abuse:
SafeLives.org.uk provides domestic abuse support and guidance.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline offers a free 24-hour helpline, guidance, and support for victims.
The National Centre for Domestic Violence provides a free service that allows anyone who has recently suffered from, or been threatened with, domestic abuse to apply for an emergency court injunction.
Originally published by UKNIP.
