Syrian Man Jailed for 8 Years After Rape of 15-Year-Old Girl in Glasgow
Predatory Attack Near Hampden Park
In a shuddering display of predatory behavior, a 32-year-old Syrian man, Marwan al Bakr, has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for the rape of a 15-year-old girl in Glasgow, Scotland.
On the evening of February 14, 2022, near the national football stadium Hampden Park, al Bakr approached a vulnerable teenage girl sitting at a bus stop, eventually leading her to a secluded grassy area where he subjected her to a 55-minute sexual attack.
Investigation and Arrest
The brave young victim raised the alarm soon after, triggering a police investigation that led to al Bakr’s eventual arrest. However, he had already fled the UK in the days following the attack. It took over a year and a half and an extradition process for al Bakr to be brought back to Scotland to face justice.
At the High Court in Livingston, al Bakr was found guilty of rape following a trial. He was subsequently sentenced to a 13-year extended sentence at the High Court in Stirling, with 8 years in jail and 5 years on licence upon release.
Reactions and Concerns
Judge Jane Farquharson said, “Your attitudes towards females cause me grave concern.” However, she also noted al Bakr’s “difficult personal history” given the war in his birth country of Syria.
Katrina Parkes, procurator fiscal for high court sexual offences, commented, “Marwan al Bakr poses a significant danger through his predatory behavior. I am grateful to the victim for coming forward. It is because of her that al Bakr will now face the consequences of his actions.”
Victim Impact
As noted by Judge Farquharson, the victim, now 18, has outlined the significant, ongoing, and lasting effects of this offence. “Her body was taken away from her,” she described the attack.
FAQs
- Q: When did the attack happen?
- A: The incident occurred on 14 February 2022.
- Q: Where was the attack located?
- A: The attack took place near the Hampden Park football stadium in Glasgow.
- Q: When was al Bakr sentenced?
- A: He was sentenced on 1 October 2023.
Pro Tips
To report sexual offenses, always contact your local police or a trusted adult. In the UK, you can also call the Rape Crisis helpline on 0808 801 60 60 (눈,眼)
For further reading, check out the following legal developments:
- Driver who used car as weapon to murder e-bike rider jailed
- Manslaughter charges over woman killed by falling bricks