Aadel Nassrallah, aged 39, formerly of Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne, has been sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment in his absence at Newcastle Crown Court after absconding to Syria while on court bail.
The prosecution arose from a serious sexual assault in which Nassrallah subjected his victim to a rape and an attempted rape.
During the attack, Nassrallah attempted to replicate explicit sexual acts that he had viewed in pornography.
In a victim impact statement presented to the court, the survivor explained that the assault had “taken all of her joy” and permanently altered the course of her life, while expressing her resolve not to allow Nassrallah’s actions to define her future.
Following his arrest and charge by Northumbria Police, Nassrallah was initially held on remand in prison.
However, he was subsequently released on bail pending trial.
Knowing that his trial was scheduled to commence and that he faced a lengthy custodial sentence if convicted, Nassrallah fled the jurisdiction and travelled to Syria to evade prosecution.
At Newcastle Crown Court, Recorder Mark Giuliani formally ruled that Nassrallah had absconded voluntarily and ordered that the trial proceed in his absence, ensuring the victim was not denied justice.
Following deliberations, the jury convicted Nassrallah of two offences:
- One count of rape
- One count of attempted rape
Sentencing him in his absence, Recorder Giuliani imposed an immediate custodial term of 18 years (216 months).
The judge also ordered that Nassrallah remain subject to the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely (for life) and confirmed that a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Release Calculation: Under UK sentencing legislation governing standard determinate custodial sentences of seven years or more for serious sexual offences, statutory early release at the halfway mark does not apply. Should Nassrallah be extradited or returned to the United Kingdom, he is subject to the mandatory two-thirds custody rule, requiring him to serve a minimum of two-thirds (12 years / 144 months) of his 18-year term in prison custody before becoming eligible to apply for statutory release on licence under the supervision of the Probation Service.
For the latest updates and offender details, follow us on the Offender Register Facebook Page. If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on how to report a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.