[News] Former Sierra Leone goalkeeper, Alhaji Sesay, 22, jailed for 10 years for rape and attempted rape

Former Sierra Leone and Bristol City goalkeeper, Alhaji Sesay has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after raping and attempting to rape two women in separate attacks.

 

The 22-year-old pleaded not guilty on all counts, but he was found guilty and sentenced to four years for attempted rape in Bristol and six years for rape and attempted rape in London.

He was cleared of a second rape charge prior to Wednesday’s sentencing at Bristol Crown Court.

 

Sesay’s four-week trial heard how the first incident took place at a nightclub in Bristol city centre on 11 July 2019. There, closed-circuit television showed him entering the women’s restrooms, where he grabbed his victim, pushed her against the wall before sexually assaulting her.

 

The victim managed to break free and get help from her friends and door staff, resulting in Sesay being detained and arrested at the scene.

He was convicted on Wednesday, March 17, by a Bristol court of one count of rape and two of attempted rape against two separate women.

At the sentencing hearing today, His Honour Judge Cullum told Sesay he was a rapist and a “sexual predator.”

He said Sesay used “a veneer of charm and flirtatious behaviour” to put himself close to women who he perceived to be targets.

He said Sesay actions caused severe psychological harm on his victims.

Sesay joined the Bristol City academy in 2017. He then made multiple loan moves to non-league clubs before eventually being released.

DC Toby Hayes of Bristol CID, reacting to the conviction said: “Alhaji Sesay is a predatory sexual offender who would brazenly target women at random at nightclubs.

“CCTV footage gathered during the police investigations showed him going into female toilets, where he carried out his attacks.

“The victims have all been through a harrowing experience.

“I want to pay tribute to their incredible bravery and courage for reporting the offences committed against them, for giving crucial evidence in court and for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in this dangerous sexual offender being brought to justice.

“I would also like to thank the many members of the public who assisted with our enquiries and helped to ensure justice was served.

“Due to the nature of Sesay’s offending, it’s possible there are other victims out there who haven’t yet reported incidents to us.

“I would encourage them to place their faith and confidence in the police and come forward.

”You will be listened to, believed and respected. If you don’t want to speak to the police, please speak to someone.”