Victim of on-the-run rapist Ahmed Abashar living in fear after previous stalking incident

"The man is evil and crazy"

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The victim of a rapist who went on the run prior to his conviction has said she is living in fear after being previously stalked by the man in the lead up to the trial.

Ahmed Abashar was convicted of rape at Laganside Court on Tuesday, September 30, following a trial, however when he was due to appear on the final day for the verdict, he never appeared.

Abashar had appeared in court throughout the trial and was cross examined before he was found to have raped a woman on March 27, 2023, after they had met for the first time that day on a date where he had used the fake name "Adam".

Speaking to Belfast Live, his victim says that in the lead up to the trial itself she was "stalked" by Abashar who had followed her while she was in Belfast, told her he knew where she lived and claimed he was paying someone to follow her.

She said that ahead of the final day in court she was convinced that Abashar was not going to appear and is living in fear that he is now on-the-run and "could be anywhere".

She also said that friends of hers have found Abashar on dating apps within the past few days, but the age he has given is incorrect.

The woman said: "Before we were due to appear in court for the verdict to be read I had a feeling that he was going to run away and try to avoid it. He knew he was going to be found guilty.

"Now I am very worried about what could happen now because I have had to deal with him stalking me in the lead up to the trial when he had been following me in Belfast, telling me he knows where I live and that he was paying people to follow me. He is evil and crazy.

"My friends have even recently found him on social media dating apps since he has gone on the run using a fake age. He used a fake name when I had met him, Adam, and lied about his age as well and where he came from, so it is something he does often.

"I just hope that he is able to be found soon."

The police issued an appeal to find Ahmed Abashar, who has an address on University Avenue, Belfast, on Monday, October 6.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "This is Ahmed Abashar. A bench warrant has been issued for him on Tuesday, 30th September when he failed to appear at court. He is also wanted in relation to breach of High Court bail.

"Please share this post to help us find him. If you know where he is, please get in touch immediately. DO NOT leave a public comment with information on his whereabouts.

"Call 101 or phone the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. The Op Relentless reference number is RM25059578. Thank you."

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