A Syrian refugee who cruelly exploited a vulnerable woman's state has been handed a six-year prison sentence for a deplorable sexual assault. Farid Piri, 25, targeted his victim as she walked home alone and intoxicated through Manchester city centre in the early hours.
The court heard how Piri's actions were a calculated betrayal of trust. He initially approached the woman under the guise of a Good Samaritan, offering to help her find her way. Instead, he led her to a secluded car park where the horrific attack took place.
A Chilling Betrayal of Trust
Manchester Crown Court was told the victim was in a state of extreme vulnerability, clearly disoriented and under the influence of alcohol. Piri, of no fixed address, was captured on CCTV following her before putting on an act of being a helpful bystander.
Prosecutor Kate Gaskell detailed how the woman had "very little recollection" of the assault itself due to her level of intoxication, a factor the predator callously used to his advantage. The truth was only uncovered through relentless police work and forensic evidence.
Justice Served Through Forensic Evidence
Despite the victim's fragmented memory, the case against Piri was solid. His DNA was found on the woman's clothing, providing irrefutable evidence of his guilt and leading to his arrest.
In a impact statement read aloud in court, the victim described the profound psychological trauma she continues to endure, stating the assault had "shattered her sense of safety and trust in people."
Judge Nicholas Dean KC, sentencing, condemned Piri's "opportunistic and predatory" behaviour. He emphasised that Piri had "exploited the vulnerability of a woman who was obviously in no state to look after herself."
Piri was found guilty of sexual assault and was subsequently sentenced to six years behind bars. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.
