A Sheffield rapist, Mulue Btseamlak, apprehended less than one hour after his victim courageously reported the incident, has been sentenced to almost ten years in prison today (Thursday, 13 March).
Mulue Btseamlak, 29, of Coupe Road, perpetrated a sexual assault against a 41-year-old woman in the Burngreave district of Sheffield on 1 November 2022.
The victim notified the police of the assault on the same day, and authorities promptly arrested Btseamlak on suspicion of rape within one hour of the report.
Mulue Btseamlak was interviewed on 2 November 2022 and refuted the allegations of rape. Notwithstanding his assertions, Btseamlak was indicted for rape and presented before Sheffield Crown Court on 5 December 2022, where he was detained in custody awaiting trial.
He was convicted on 13 September 2024 after a five-day trial and was sentenced today, 14 March, to 12 years of imprisonment, accompanied by a three-year extended licence period.
An indefinite restraining order was issued, prohibiting Mulue Btseamlak from contacting the victim.
District of Columbia Kevin Sibley of Sheffield CID stated, “I am pleased to witness Mulue Btseamlak incarcerated for this egregious offence and hope that during his imprisonment, he contemplates the damage he has inflicted upon an innocent woman.”
“Mulue Btseamlak’s victim demonstrated remarkable fortitude by reporting the crime to us on the day it transpired and by supplying evidence to substantiate the prosecution.”
I commend the officers for their swift response, resulting in the arrest of Mulue Btseamlak within an hour of the report of his heinous crimes.
“We conduct comprehensive investigations into all reports of sexual offences, regardless of whether they are reported on the day of the incident or are historical.”
If you have experienced rape, sexual assault, or sexual harassment, you may report to us confidentially online or by phoning 101. If you are unable to report to the police through any of these methods, consider confiding in someone you trust. Specialist and confidential support is available through the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line.
Victims of sexual offences are granted perpetual anonymity by legislation.
It constitutes a criminal crime to disclose their names or other information that could facilitate their identification.
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.