Former Bristol City keeper, Alhaji Sesay, has been jailed for 10 years after shockingly raping a woman in the nightclub toilet.
The 22 year old, who used to play for the Championship club (before turning to non league) and the Sierra Leone international team, was convicted of rape and attempted rape following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
The court heard that he was arrested following an incident at Mbargo nightclub in Bristol in July 2019, in which he trapped a woman in a toilet cubicle.
The woman was able to quickly break free and raise the alarm with security at the club, which resulted in Sesay getting arrested by police.
🎥 #BristolCity goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay reflects on his stoppage time equaliser for loan club Paulton Rovers.
👉 https://t.co/Em7MZ9pjix pic.twitter.com/l7d7icKjvo
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) October 30, 2017
The court also heard how Sesay was involved in another attack on a woman in a nightclub in London.
The 22-year-old, who played as a goalkeeper and was with the Robins between 2017 and 2019, was described by officers as a “predatory sexual offender”.
DC Toby Hayes, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Alhaji Sesay is a predatory sexual offender who would brazenly target women at random at nightclubs.
“CCTV footage gathered during the police investigations showed him going into female toilets, where he carried out his attacks.
A former professional footballer has been jailed for 10yrs today for rape and attempted rape offences committed against women at nightclubs in Bristol & London.
Alhaji Sesay, 22, was arrested by officers at a Bristol nightclub in July 2019.
More details: https://t.co/hAj3elUxxM pic.twitter.com/vaN7LWfkOJ
— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) March 17, 2021
“The victims have all been through a harrowing experience. I want to pay tribute to their incredible bravery and courage for reporting the offences committed against them, for giving crucial evidence in court and for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in this dangerous sexual offender being brought to justice.
“I would also like to thank the many members of the public who assisted with our enquiries and helped to ensure justice was served.”
Officers said it is possible Sesay attacked other women who are yet to come forward.
“I would encourage them to place their faith and confidence in the police and come forward,” DI Hayes added.
Investigating officer DC Toby Hayes, of Bristol CID, called Sesay a “predatory sexual offender” who brazenly targeted women at nightclubs.
CCTV showed him at the Bristol nightclub before and after he committed one of his offences. pic.twitter.com/NobwHMK0Ji
— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) March 17, 2021
“You will be listened to, believed and respected. If you don’t want to speak to the police, please speak to someone.”
Sesay was jailed for 10 years after being found guilty of one count of rape and two counts of attempted rape.
He was found not guilty for a second charge of rape.
If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse, recent or non-recent, you don’t have to speak to the police. You can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website at http://thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999.
Alhaji Sesay’s career:
2017/18 – Bristol City
2017/18 – Clevedon Town
2017/18 – Paulton Rovers
2018/19 – Bristol City
2018/19 – Dorchester Town
2018/19 – Gloucester City
2019/20 – Dartford
On trying to get himself a career in football, he said: “It’s been tough for someone like me who is from Africa to come to a Championship club.”
Sesay, who was spotted by Bristol City while playing for a social club in London, added: “Deeply inside it worries me a lot. There was a time when I thought I was not going to make it.”
Despite the difficulties, he says his mother is now on board with his chosen career and has become a big fan.
“Everything has changed. When I came to this country my mother wanted me to work to help her.
She wanted me to work for a Nigerian shop which sells African food. I went there for one day and said I am not doing that,” said Sesay.
“When she found out that Bristol City wanted to sign me she was so happy. Now I take care of her and everything is good.”
Turns out everything weren’t good however as one mindless act in a nightclub ruined his dreams of becoming a top keeper at EFL level.
Twitter users gave their reaction after seeing that the former Bristol City keeper has been jailed for 10 years…
@bristolcity68: Let him rot in jail ..vile
@jpsportfitness: Always wondered what happened to him. Unbelievable #BristolCity
@DannyJVeale: Fucking hell mate he was meant to of been class aswell! Mad
@swiddoy76: Got what he fuckin deserved hope the woman are recovering well
@ForeverAYellow: How can you be that stupid? Christ me, lucky to have what he had and then he goes and does something like that. Bet his Mum ain’t proud now.
@LorettSpierenb1: Excellent result for the brave victims / survivors who bravely came forward. A dangerous offender off the streets.
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