A detective has praised the bravery of a Brighton woman who was sexually assaulted after her attacker was jailed for 12 years.
Mamdouh Ramzi, 45, a delivery driver, of Tillstone Street, Brighton, was told that he would serve at least eight years in prison when he was sentenced by Judge Shani Barnes at Brighton Crown Court.
He denied false imprisonment and two sexual assaults but was convicted by a jury.
Detective Sergeant Jemma Paterson said: “Mamdouh Ramzi is a predatory individual who exploited the vulnerability of the victim and we are pleased he is now behind bars.
“He showed little remorse throughout the court process and his not guilty plea meant the victim had to relive the distressing events of that night all over again.
“I would like to praise the bravery of the victim who came forward to disclose the traumatic ordeal she was subject to. She has been provided with support by specialist trained officers.
“No one should have to be a victim of this sort of crime and we urge anyone who unfortunately has been to get in contact with us.”
Sussex Police said: “In the early hours of (Friday) 17 May he approached a woman who became separated from her friends on a night out in Brighton town centre and offered her a lift home.
“She believed he was a taxi driver so got into the vehicle at the Old Steine.
“Ramzi then drove his victim a long route away from her home address, stopping the vehicle at Stanmer Park where he sexually assaulted her.
“The victim’s friends called 999 at 5.20am after becoming concerned for her welfare when she did not return home.
“She returned home while they were on the phone to police after being dropped close to her address.
“After being identified through CCTV and his vehicle registration, Ramzi was arrested by police on (Saturday) 18 May on suspicion of kidnap and sexual assault and subsequently charged.
“Ramzi initially denied having anyone in his vehicle, later changing his story to claim he had a consensual sexual encounter with the victim.
“He was found guilty of false imprisonment, sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration for which he will serve eight years in jail and a further four years on extended licence.
“Ramzi has been put on the sexual offenders register and was served an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.”
He was sentenced on Monday (9 December) by Judge Barnes, the former honorary recorder of Brighton and Hove.
