Ex-footballer from Greenwich jailed over rape offences

Alhaji Sesay, of Congleton Grove, Greenwich, attempted to rape a woman in a nightclub in Bristol in 2019, and raped a woman at a bar in north London in 2020.

The 22-year-old was described by police as a “predator”, and on March 17 at Bristol Crown Court, he was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Sesay was formerly a professional goalkeeper for Bristol City, and also played for Serra Leone.

Police officers involved in the case said he was a "predatory sexual offender who would brazenly target women at random at nightclubs."

During a four-week trial, the court heard that on Thursday, July 11, 2019, Alhaji Sesay entered the female toilet of a nightclub in Bristol City and approached a woman entirely unknown to him.

He pushed her against the wall and sexually assaulted her through her clothing before attempting to force her to commit a sex act on him.

Security at the venue were alerted and Sesay was detained until police arrived and arrested him.

Met Police: Alhaji Sesay, an ex-footballer from Greenwich, found guilty of rape and attempted rape.

During the police interview, Sesay said denied allegations and said he had ‘entered the female toilets looking for a woman whom he had kissed earlier in the night' but had not assaulted anyone. He was subsequently released under investigation pending further enquiries.

On August 30, 2020, police were then called to a bar on Chase Road, N14 in London, after a female had been sexually assaulted in the toilets by an unknown male.

Officers attended the venue where a female victim who was in the toilets in the bar, had been pushed into a cubicle by a man she did not know, whom we now know to be Sesay, who attempted to rape her.

When his attempt at rape was unsuccessful he forced her to perform a sex act on him.

Following the attack Sesay left the venue in a vehicle but came back to the bar when he was encouraged by his friends. He was arrested at the scene.

In police interview on this occasion Sesay claimed that the victim had consented to sex.

Detective Constable Kim Davies who led the investigation from the Met’s Public Protection Team (sexual offences strand), said: “The actions of Alhaji Sesay were clearly that of a predator.

"He has on two separate occasions subjected women to violent acts in what should be a safe and private space. He has shown no remorse for his deplorable behaviour and the verdict is welcomed as it highlights that there is a price to be paid by those committing sexual offences, and that price is their freedom.

“The impact that crimes like this case have on the victims is significant, so I would like to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation which has resulted in taking a dangerous individual off the street.”

The victims in both cases were supported by specially trained officers.

Sesay was remained in custody and was charged on Monday, 31 August 2020 with attempted rape in connection with the Bristol incident and attempted rape and rape in connection with the London offences.

After pleading not guilty on all counts, the trial of Alhaji Sesay commenced at Bristol Crown Court on Monday, 22 February.

On Wednesday, 16 March the jury returned a majority verdict of guilty of two counts of attempted rape and one count of rape.

Detective Constable Toby Hayes of Bristol CID, said that due to the nature of Sesay's offending, it's possible that there are other victims out there.

“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.

"I would encourage them (other victims) 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.”

Sesay was sentenced as follows:

- Attempted rape in Bristol – four years' imprisonment;

- Attempted rape in London – six years' imprisonment;

- Rape in London – six years; imprisonment.

The sentences in the London case are to run concurrently making a total of 10 years to be served.

Detective Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, of the Met's North Area Public Protection Team, added: “We commend the courageous victims for coming forward and supporting the police investigation after what must have been a terrible and frightening experience.

“Thankfully stranger attacks such as these are rare but I hope this conviction goes some way to providing closure for the victims and sends a clear message to the public that such abhorrent acts will not be tolerated.”