Rhiannon Ingle
Greater Manchester Police have released the audio of a man handing himself in for rape.
Last year (9 September), GMP received a report that a woman had been raped at Heaton Mersey Park in Stockport with officers soon arrested the offender within the hour of the original report.
According to a press release shared by GMP, a victim disclosed to officers that Al-Sari had approached her and forced her to come with him whilst threatening her with what appeared to be a firearm. Upon arriving at the park, 28-year-old Usama Al-Sari proceeded to rape the unnamed victim, who managed to later escape and run to a place of safety.
Officers were able to attend the location where they arrested Al-Sari and found the weapon, which was deemed a non-viable firearm.
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Al-Sari was later sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on January 16th of this year after pleading guilty to rape, sexual assault, intent to commit a sexual offence, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making threat to kill, and possession of a class B controlled drug.
He will serve 14 years in prison and an additional eight years on license. He will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
GMP has since released the audio of Al-Sari handing himself in ahead of being arrest.
The transcribed phone call between Al-Sari and the 999 operator goes as follows:
Operator: "Police emergency."
Al-Sari: "Hiya, I’d like to turn myself in, please."
Operator: "You’d like to what, sorry?"
Al-Sari: "Turn myself in."
Operator: "Okay, for what?"
Al-Sari: "Have you had any phone calls about attempted rape in Heaton Mersey park?"
Operator: "Attempted rape?"
Al-Sari: "Yeah."
Operator: "Where are you now?"
Al-Sari: "Still on the park."
Operator: "What, you’re on the park?"
Al-Sari: "Yeah."
Operator: "Are you with anybody?"
Al-Sari: "No, no."
Operator: "Okay, what’s your name, please?"
Al-Sari: "Usama Al-Sari."
Operator: "Okay, tell me what exactly has happened."
Al-Sari: "So, um, I’ve been suffering with compulsion for a while and I basically gave in. I have a pellet gun and I’ve forced, tried to force this girl to do things. I won’t have done anything with the pellet gun. It’s not even loaded. But she ran away."
Operator: "Do you know this girl?"
Al-Sari: "No, no."
Following Al-Sari's sentencing of 14 years, the victim shared as per the GMP press release: "I want to thank the police for their care, professionalism, and safeguarding-led approach.
"Being supported and treated with dignity made a huge difference, and I hope this case encourages all institutions to reflect on how they support victims of serious violence."
Detective Constable Heather Parke, the officer in the case, added: "Following this sentencing I hope this outcome provides reassurance to the victim and our wider communities.
"I want to commend the victim for her courage during this investigation. Coming forward and reporting this incident enabled our officers to ensure the offender saw justice and the victim was able to receive the right support.
"This is a shocking and incredibly rare incident and will have an immeasurable impact on the victim. We understand this incident is deeply concerning, and I want to reassure our communities that incidents of this nature are treated with the highest priority.
"Our commitment is to protect victims, provide the right care and support and pursue justice and we encourage any victims to come forward and report."
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.