In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Eid Anwar Fathi Najjar, then 21, an Egyptian national of no fixed address, was sentenced to eight years in prison. On 2 February 2026, Najjar appeared at York Crown Court for sentencing after carrying out a “vile” and predatory attack in York city centre.
The investigation established that on 6 July 2025, Najjar singled out a woman on a night out and lured her into an alleyway where he raped her. The prosecution reported that earlier in the evening, door security staff had warned Najjar to stay away from the victim due to his predatory behaviour. Following the “vicious” assault, the victim was found in a distressed state by members of the public who alerted the police. Despite Najjar’s initial claims that the encounter was consensual, North Yorkshire Police conducted an intense investigation involving 191 clips of CCTV and 90 witness statements, which proved the victim could not have consented.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Fionna McEwan emphasised that Najjar is a “sexual predator and a danger to women.” The court reported that Najjar even called a second man to the scene of the rape, though charges against that co-defendant were later withdrawn by the CPS due to the evidential test not being met. The judge emphasised that the volume of evidence—including forensic data and phone records—left Najjar with no choice but to enter a guilty plea in October 2025.
The judge emphasised that the “despicable” nature of the attack, particularly the way Najjar waited for a moment of distraction from security staff to pounce, demonstrated a high level of planning and intent. The prosecution emphasised the bravery of the survivor and the critical role of the passing members of the public who provided immediate assistance. For his crimes in North Yorkshire, the court determined that a significant custodial term was mandatory to reflect the “vile” trauma inflicted upon the victim.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Eid Anwar Fathi Najjar was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Eight years in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Convictions: Pled guilty to rape and sexual assault.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Najjar is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by North Yorkshire Police and the prison estate. Due to the “vicious” predatory nature of his offences and his status as a foreign national, his management involves close coordination with the Home Office regarding potential future deportation proceedings.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Najjar must comply with mandatory notification requirements. Authorities state that the “vile” and persistent nature of his stalking of the victim throughout the evening necessitates the highest level of supervision. Any breach of his registration conditions or his licence terms upon release will result in his immediate arrest and return to York Crown Court.
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