A man who committed five rapes in late-night attacks in Manchester has been jailed for life. The court heard how the series of rapes took place between February and July 2024, and how Djelid would pray on, and attack intoxicated victims in the city centre.
The first of the three attacks – committed in the heart of Manchester’s gay community – came on February 18, 2024 which occurred in the early hours of the morning. CCTV footage shows Djelid leading his female victim down a secluded back street near to China Town before raping her and stealing her mobile phone and making off. Her mobile phone was tracked to Smedley Road in Cheetham Hill, very close to Djelid’s home address.
Djelid, understood to be an Algerian national, committed his second crime on June 12, 2024.
His victim – who was visiting Manchester with work – was approached by Djelid outside a bar on Canal Street. After engaging in conversation with the victim, he walked him to a remote location close to Richmond Street and raped him.
Once again, Djelid stole items from the victim, namely his phone, watch and a necklace. The stolen phone of the victim was tracked near to Vallea Court in Cheetham Hill. During the incident, Djelid is shown on CCTV to be wearing a distinctive, black puffa jacket.
Djelid’s final attack before being arrested on Sunday July 21, 2024, came three days earlier on July 18, 2024. On this occasion he approached his male victim who was visiting Manchester and offered to assist him back to his hotel as he was lost. However, instead of helping him, he led his victim to a secluded area of the canal at Jutland Street and raped him.
Once again, he took the victim’s phone and wallet, pushed him to the ground before making his escape.
A short time later Djelid attended a service station in Cheetham Hill and used one of the man’s bank cards to make a fraudulent transaction before trying to make a further transaction using the stolen back card which was declined. The stolen mobile phone was again tracked to the Cheetham Hill area.
Djelid had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at an earlier hearing linked to this investigation.
Senior Investigating Officer Paul Davies from our Major Incident Team said: “Firstly, I would like to commend all the victims who came forward. Without them Djelid may not have been caught and could still be prowling the streets. Being drunk is not a crime. Everybody who visits the city centre should feel safe. Safe in the knowledge that they can go and enjoy themselves without fear of being attacked.
“What makes these crimes particularly heinous is the deliberate and premeditated nature of Djelid’s actions. He would specifically seek out intoxicated individuals, often presenting himself as an upstanding member of the public, before leading them to secluded locations.”
He continued: “He would then subject them to horrific sexual attacks and steal their belongings which included mobile phones and bank cards which he would then use.
“These convictions reflect not only the severity of Djelid’s crimes but also the lasting impact they have had on his victims. Such predatory behaviour has no place in Greater Manchester, and those who feel it is acceptable to commit offences of this sort will be brought to justice.
“If you have been affected by this case or believe that you may have been a victim of Sid Ali Djelid, then please contact us on 101 or via our website www.gmp.police.uk and make a report using the ‘Live Chat’ function in the bottom right corner quoting Operation Baycliff. All reports made to us will be fully investigated and specialist officers will be on hand to support you through the investigation.”
Rebekah Tomlinson, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Canal Street holds a special place in the heritage of Manchester and the LGBT community, and those on a night out have the right to enjoy themselves free from the fear of abuse and attack.
“Djelid’s crimes will doubtless leave a lasting impact on the victims – and my deepest thanks goes to them for supporting this prosecution. Without their evidence, this dangerous man would still be in our community.”