*This article contains content which some may find distressing*
Two men have been jailed for the “vile” rape and attack of a woman in an alleyway near Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester City Centre.
25-year-old Brian Jalo of Sugar Mill Square in Salford was sentenced to 12 years in jail for the rape of the then 18-year-old woman in May 2021.
24-year-old Juan Quinones of Aspell Close, Middleton in Rochdale was also jailed for 12 years.
Police have described the crime as a “horrific ordeal” which had been prolonged by the attackers “refusing to admit their guilt.”
Both men were sentenced at Magistrates Court on December 21.
The attack occurred after the young woman and her friend met Quinones and Jalo the previous day (15 May 2021). The pair had reportedly approached the women, spoke to them for a time, and exchanged contact details on Instagram.
The following evening, on the night of the attack, the victim and her friend were staying in a hotel near Piccadilly Gardens. After the two women returned to the hotel, the victim then left the hotel again on her own.
Quinones and Jalo spotted the woman leaving the hotel, attacked her and raped her in an alleyway.
The victim managed to make her way back to the hotel following the attack in a distressed state. Her mobile phone was missing and has never been recovered.
She contacted police and an investigation was immediately launched. Following an appeal to the public for information, CCTV was provided to the police which led to the identification and arrest of Jalo and Quinones on 19 May 2021.
A third man was later acquitted of sexual assault and aiding and abetting the rape.
Detective Constable Stuart Kassim, of GMP Longsight CID, said: “This was a horrific ordeal which has been prolonged by her attackers refusing to admit their guilt and forcing her to re-live that night by giving evidence at trial.
“It was a vile and predatory attack on a lone woman by a pair who worked together to lure her away from safety in order to rape her. Their actions were cold and calculating and I am pleased the sentence has placed them safely behind bars.
“Ultimately, it is thanks to the bravery of the victim, as well as members of the public who answered our CCTV appeal and the dedication of the investigation team, that both offenders will now spend years of their lives behind bars.
“I hope this case gives other victims reassurance that GMP will seek to arrest and prosecute offenders. And I hope it encourages more victims to come forwards and report what happened to them to police.”
Police encourage anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault to report it by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report information and crimes on their website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the ‘report’ tool. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester that can help and provide support. Visit here for more information on support.
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