Rapist jailed for attacking woman he followed off a bus

A rapist has been jailed for eight years after attacking a woman he followed off a bus in Bristol.

Haithum Alsuliman, 35, of no fixed address, was jailed at Bristol Crown Court today over the rape in Two Mile Hill on March 30 last year.

A jurt heard how Alsuliman followed his victim off a bus on Two Mile Hill Road before raping her in Salisbury Avenue. CCTV images helped identify him and he was subsequently charged.

During his trial in February this year, jurors were told he initially denied being involved in the incident even after his victim had positively identified him from images held on police systems.

He then changed his account, claiming his victim had consented, when he was told he was forensically linked to the incident.

PC David Stevenson said: “I would like pay tribute to victim in this case for the bravery she has shown.

“Having experienced the trauma of the incident, Alsuliman then put her through the further ordeal of a trial even though the evidence clearly pointed to him being the offender.

“She has shown great courage and bravery in standing up to him and supporting our investigation and I hope she is able to find some comfort in the knowledge that her attacker is now behind bars for some time.”

Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year via their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or by calling 0117 342 6999.