A MAN has been found guilty of ten offences that saw him “targeting” five lone women in the space of 90 minutes on one morning.
Abdelkarim Arfaoui (27) was found guilty of one attempted rape, five counts of sexual touching without consent, two of common assault, one of threatening and abusive behaviour and one of grave and criminal assault.
He strangled a woman before tackling her to the ground and attempting to rape her, and when she got away, he targeted four more women who were on their way to work and to the gym. He punched and kissed one, scared another, and groped two women.
His excuse – that he was drunk and disoriented and that he approached the women to ask for directions – was labelled “an affront to common sense and quite frankly, an insult to [the jury’s] intelligence” by Crown Advocate Lauren Hallam, prosecuting.
She said he had not approached the women for directions, but that he “targeted” them, adding: “You might think [his story] is a pack of lies put forward in a desperate attempt to escape the consequences of his actions.”
The investigation involved large amounts of CCTV footage which helped the police retrace his movements and find one of the victims, who then identified herself from a description.
Advocate Hallam said the CCTV also showed men walk past Mr Arfaoui as he claimed he was becoming more and more desperate to find his way home but that he did not approach any of them. He claimed he had not seen the men, and at one point, that he was busy rolling a cigarette.
During the trial, the five victims spoke about the impact the offences had on them. One said that she felt “disgusted, dirty, lost” afterwards, and a loved one said she was completely different and spent her nights awake in the weeks after the incident.
The friend of one of the women described how she became like a different person, even changing the way she dressed.
And the colleague of one of the women, who helped her and called the police, reported how she was shaking and crying. The woman had been so shaken up that she forgot the phone number for the police.
Detective Inspector Christina MacLennan said the police arrested Mr Arfaoui just eight minutes after the fifth woman made a report, and that public appeals helped them find key witnesses.
She added: “I would like to thank everyone who came forward with information, as their evidence proved invaluable to the investigation.
“Today’s verdict is a testament to the remarkable bravery and resilience of the five women who came forward to report their experiences.
“Recounting such traumatic events is never easy, and their courage, strength, and determination have been instrumental in ensuring that this dangerous offender has been brought to justice.”
Offences like this were “thankfully rare”, she added, and Jersey “remains a safe place”.
“However, when serious incidents do occur, the States of Jersey police will work tirelessly alongside partners to protect the public, provide support for their victims, and bring offenders to justice,” she continued.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jack Maguire, added: “Today’s verdict is a testament to the bravery and courage of the five women who came forward and supported this investigation. It is because of their evidence that a dangerous sexual predator has been convicted.
“This was a complex investigation involving the review of many hours of CCTV footage and obtaining statements from dozens of witnesses. Several key witnesses were identified following public appeals through the media and social media, and extensive house-to-house enquiries carried out in the days after the offences.
“On behalf of the States of Jersey Police, I would like to thank everyone who came forward with information following our appeals. Their assistance played an important role in helping us build the evidence presented before the court.
“We would encourage anyone who experiences, witnesses or is concerned about behaviour that does not seem right to contact police. Even information that may appear insignificant can prove crucial in protecting others, identifying offenders and supporting investigations.
“I would also urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to report it to police or seek support through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Dewberry House. Support is available, and you will be listened to.”
Commissioner Alan Binnington was presiding. Arfaoui was remanded in custody and is due to appear before the Royal Court on Friday, when a sentencing date will be set.
