A man who fled Britain for Syria before he could stand trial for rape has been sentenced to 18 years in prison in his absence.
Aadel Nassrallah, 39, who previously lived in Elswick, Newcastle, left the country before facing trial for serious sexual offences.
A jury at Newcastle Crown Court later found him guilty following a trial held without him being present.
The court heard how the case had left his victim struggling to rebuild her life. In a statement read during the sentencing hearing, the woman said Nassrallah had “taken the joy” out of her life.
…..the woman said no-one could go through what she had without it “destroying their mental health”.
She said the experience had caused profound psychological harm, adding that no one could go through what she had endured without it “destroying their mental health”.
“I lost the ability to be me,” she said.
Recorder Mark Giuliani described Nassrallah as a serious sexual offender. The court heard he had reportedly been trying to imitate material he had seen in pornographic films when he raped the woman.
The judge said Nassrallah had “voluntarily absented himself from the jurisdiction” before the trial and confirmed that he had returned to Syria.
Despite his absence, the court proceeded with the case and a jury convicted him of offences including rape.
A warrant has now been issued for his arrest. If Nassrallah returns to the UK or is extradited, he will be detained and required to serve the prison sentence imposed by the court.
The sentence brings a formal end to the prosecution but leaves the victim to deal with the lasting consequences of the offences.
Nassrallah will also be required to remain on the sex offenders register for life.
