A man, Dewan Gazi, has received a six-year prison sentence for assaulting and sexually assaulting a lady who was socialising with friends in Middleton. The victim will be granted an indefinite restraining order for her protection, and he will be subjected to perpetual sex offender notification obligations.
Dewan Gazi (12/07/1980), residing at Croxdale Walk, Blackley, had previously been convicted of two counts of sexual assault and one count of section 47 assault at Manchester Crown Court.
Shortly after midnight on Sunday, 28 July 2024, the woman was ambulating home when she was abruptly accosted by Dewan Gazi, who seized her by the arms and proceeded to inappropriately touch her over her garments.
The woman, apprehensive for her safety, shouted for assistance while striking the assailant, who persisted in his assault, including tugging at her shorts.
He subsequently propelled his victim into adjacent bushes behind a low metal barrier, resulting in significant pain upon impact.
At this moment, a man and woman from a nearby location heard the disturbance and emerged to discover the man restraining his victim on the pavement. Following the intervention and inquiry of Dewan Gazi, who asserted he was offering assistance, he fled, and the woman received aid from the couple.
The man pursued Dewan Gazi down the street and out of the vicinity before returning to assist.
She was transported to the hospital due to discomfort and contusions, as well as tenderness in her fist after striking her assailant.
Following CCTV checks, Dewan Gazi’s vehicle was identified as being in the area around the time of the incident, and was later seized by officers as part of their enquiries.
Further CCTV footage showed Dewan Gazi working in a takeaway in Middleton, watching his victim walk past, before he ran out to his vehicle and followed her in his car shortly before launching his attack.
He was later arrested and charged with his offences by officers within Rochdale CID.
The man and woman who assisted the victim have since received a bravery award from GMP for their actions, and the judge commended their ‘neighbourhood spirit’ in coming to the victim’s aid and chasing away the attacker.
Detective Constable Russ Clarke, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “In the early hours of Saturday 27th 2024, Dewan Gazi identified his victim as vulnerable, and made the decision to stalk and attack her for his own sexual gratification. This was a premeditated attack of somebody making her way home after a social gathering.
“It is clear from his predatory actions that he poses a significant danger to women, as was also recognised by the judge and probation. The impact on this victim cannot be over-estimated as she continues to come to terms with what happened. She suffered a serious injury to her leg during the attack which still causes her pain and restricts her movement.
“Dewan Gazi has shown no remorse and taken no responsibility for his actions. He provided multiple accounts during his suspect interview in an attempt to explain the evidence that was put before him. He even provided the jury with a brand new account during the trial, in the belief that he could deceive them. They saw through his lies.
“Despite remaining in significant distress, the victim in this case has shown incredible strength and bravery. Due to Dewan Gazi’s refusal to accept the compelling evidence put before him, the victim attended court to give her evidence, meaning she had to relieve the events of the early hours of that morning. It is due to her bravery that Gazi has now been convicted and imprisoned, protecting others from his predatory behaviour.
“Dewan Gazi’s attack was halted by local residents coming to the victims aid and chasing him away from the scene. One resident even did this in a state of undress and I would like to personally thank both residents for their brave actions. They heard the victim cries for help and came outside without any thought for their own safety.
“When incidents of this nature happen, we leave no stone unturned in our work to identify and prosecute those responsible.”
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Remember – if in doubt report it
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis 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. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- 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.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.