A 31-year-old Nottingham man has been convicted of sexual assault after a jury spent over three hours considering their verdict at Nottingham Crown Court.
Yibrah Tesfamichael was found guilty following a four-day hearing. The court heard that he and the victim had only crossed paths minutes earlier during the early hours of Christmas Day.
The defendant maintained that any contact between them was by mutual agreement. However, after hearing the full account, the jury preferred the woman’s version of events and convicted him by a majority of eleven to one.
Presiding Judge Robert Eggbuna adjourned sentencing until September 14 and ordered the defendant held in custody. The judge observed that the victim was in a vulnerable position and that the defendant had encountered her merely two minutes before the assault occurred. He indicated he would require a current statement detailing the impact on the victim before passing sentence.
The court was informed that Tesfamichael, whose address was given as St Ann’s, assaulted the woman and then pursued her through the shopping complex in a manner likened to a scene from a horror film.
Prosecuting counsel Luc Chignell stated that the incident occurred more than 18 months prior in the city centre. He explained that the woman was heading towards a taxi when she came across the defendant near The New Forester’s pub.
The prosecution described the case as uncomplicated yet grave, occurring on December 25. The court heard that the victim had been consuming alcohol at a friend’s residence before making her way home shortly before 5am. She spotted the accused standing on Glasshouse Street and asked whether he had a cigarette lighter. He initially claimed to have one before changing his response.
After a brief conversation, the defendant guided her along the street. She entered a narrow passage with him following closely behind, having only made her acquaintance approximately five minutes prior. The prosecution argued that he immediately subjected her to unwanted sexual contact.
As the woman moved away from the location, security personnel at the Victoria Centre grew suspicious of the defendant trailing her. The court was told that he remained mere seconds behind her and at one stage concealed himself behind a pillar, with the guards ultimately intervening to protect her.
Tesfamichael, from Rose Close, was apprehended at the scene. During questioning, he acknowledged the physical contact but insisted it occurred with the woman’s willing participation.
The prosecution confirmed the encounter and presence in the alleyway were undisputed, with the defendant asserting the woman had desired and consented to what transpired.
In her testimony, the victim described how she passed through the centre after the assault and silently gestured to a security officer for assistance. She explained that the experience felt like being pursued, evoking the atmosphere of a frightening film, with an unsettling quality and a sense that he was determined to reach her.