Sex offender swiftly apprehended and brought to justice for sexual assault
Dewan Gazi, a 43-year-old man from Blackley, has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in Middleton. The attack occurred in July 2024 when Gazi followed the victim, assaulted her, and was eventually chased away by local residents. The victim suffered injuries and continues to experience pain. Gazi showed no remorse and attempted to deceive investigators and the jury. The judge commended the bravery of the residents who intervened, and Gazi will be subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements.
Dewan Gazi stalked a woman from a Middleton takeaway before dragging her into bushes and sexually assaulting her in a premeditated attack that ended only when neighbours heard her screams and chased him away.
The 44-year-old, of Croxdale Walk, Blackley, received a six-year prison sentence at Manchester Crown Court after being convicted of two counts of sexual assault and one count of section 47 assault. He faces an indefinite restraining order and lifetime sex offender notification requirements.
CCTV footage revealed Gazi watching his victim walk past the takeaway where he worked shortly after midnight on 28 July 2024. He ran to his vehicle and followed her in his car before confronting her on the street, grabbing her arms and touching her over her clothes.
The woman fought back, shouting for help and punching Gazi as he pulled at her shorts and pushed her into nearby bushes with a low metal barrier, causing significant leg injuries that continue to restrict her movement.
A couple living nearby heard the commotion and intervened, finding Gazi holding his victim on the pavement. When questioned, he claimed to be helping before fleeing. The male neighbour chased him down the street while still undressed, and both have since received bravery awards from Greater Manchester Police.
Detective Constable Russ Clarke of Rochdale CID said Gazi “identified his victim as vulnerable” and stalked her “for his own sexual gratification,” showing “no remorse” throughout the investigation. The victim required hospital treatment for pain and bruising, including to her fist from punching her attacker.
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