Car rapist jailed for 'vicious' attack on woman

A rapist who "viciously" attacked a woman in his car after picking her up on a night out has been jailed for 13 years.

Fabrice Kapena, from Manchester, convinced her to get into his vehicle at a bar in Deansgate by promising to pick her friends up later and then help them get into another venue on 7 August 2022.

Instead, the 32-year-old drove out of the city centre before what Greater Manchester Police (GMP) described as the "horrific" rape in which he tried to strangle the woman as she fought back.

Kapena, who was also convicted at Manchester Crown Court of robbery, theft and strangulation, was sentenced to 13 years in prison plus an extended licence period of seven years.

• Warning: This article contains distressing details about sexual assault

The court heard Kapena approached the woman at the bar and claimed he knew people working on the door at another venue.

Once she was in his car, Kapena promised to loop back to collect her friends.

Instead, he drove to a quiet area while becoming increasingly threatening.

The court heard Kapena pushed himself on to the woman and grabbed her around the neck while she hit and scratched his face.

She eventually escaped the car and, at about 03:00 BST, managed to find help from a nearby care home, where staff called 999.

Kapena was tracked down by police and arrested at his home on Bridgelea Road.

Jurors heard Kapena had previously attacked another woman, again after driving her out of the city centre.

After punching her to the ground on 31 July 2022, he took her phone.

A GMP spokesperson said he stole a woman's bank card and phone in February of that year.

Det Insp Andy Worthington said he was "glad that [Kapena] is now behind bars" for his "disgusting crimes".

He described Kapena as a "dangerous individual who subjected a woman to a vicious attack and I want to commend her bravery during this process, which I know has been incredibly difficult".

The detective added: "I would urge any victims of sexual offences to get in touch with us.

"You will be listened to, believed, and we will do our best to get you the justice you deserve."

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