A monster who raped one woman at knifepoint and tried to rape two others in public attacks has now been put behind bars.

In the early hours of May 29, 2022, Woundoson Gabre, 21, targeted the first of his victims, a woman in her 50s, in an alleyway between Corporation Street and Aylesbury Street, Swindon, while she was walking home from a night out.

He attempted to rape her before a member of the public intervened, at which point Gabre pretended that he was also trying to help the victim, while also calling 999 himself, lying to officers about the incident and claiming to have been assaulted himself.

On May 30, the day after attempting to rape his first victim, Gabre targeted two more women in separate incidents.

At around 1.30am on May 30, Gabre physically assaulted a woman in her 30s in Manchester Road, punching her multiple times before trying to rape her.

She was fortunately able to fight back and flee on Gabre’s bicycle.

Later that day, at around 8pm, Gabre brought his third victim, a woman in her 30s, back to his house in Saltash Road before raping her at knifepoint.

Following a lengthy court process, which involved Gabre changing his plea, he was sentenced today to spend 13 years behind bars after eventually pleading guilty to the offences at Swindon Crown Court.

Gabre, 21, of Saltash Road, Rodbourne, admitted one count of rape, two counts of attempted rape, actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice. 

He was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment and five years on extended licence.

He will also be on the sex offenders' register for life. 

The victims of these shocking incidents are all legally protected with anonymity, but all three have bravely shared the impact of Gabre's 'horrendous' actions. 

The first victim said: “Physically, the scar on my face and the lump on my chin is still visible and is a constant reminder of what happened that night. Emotionally, I haven’t had any type of relationship with a man as I’m not interested in intimacy anymore.

"This whole process has been hanging over me for over two years, so I haven’t been able to put it all behind me and get on with my life.”

The second said: “It took weeks and months for the physical injuries to heal, but as well as the physical injuries, it has really affected me mentally.

"My depression has got a lot worse since the attack, I keep reliving what happened and I can’t seem to get it out of my head.”

And the final victim said: "The attack I sustained by this man was so horrific to me that I have had to have several months of counselling, and I have been diagnosed with PTSD. This man scared me so much from that night that I no longer have the privilege of living my life without fear.”

Investigating officer DC Emma Rossiter, then of Swindon CID, said: “Gabre is a predatory individual who targeted three vulnerable women within a 48-hour window.

“His horrendous actions have scarred his three victims both physically and mentally and the effects of the incidents will be long-lasting.

“It has been a complex and lengthy investigation since the first incident as Gabre has continually lied to officers, giving false statements about incidents and obfuscating facts in attempts to cover his tracks.

“It’s for that reason that he has also been charged and convicted of perverting the course of justice.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the three victims for their strength and patience during this process and I hope this sentencing brings an element of closure for them.”

A Wilshire Police spokesperson added: "If you’ve been the victim, please report rape or sexual assault as soon as possible. Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, Wiltshire Police would sooner hear from you so that we can make sure you’re safe.

"If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s OK. You can find a range of places to get support, advice and medical help.

"You can speak to these organisations in confidence and what you tell them won't be shared with the police unless you ask for it to be."

24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line provides free, specialist and confidential support for victims of sexual violence or abuse. It is Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be reached on 0808 500 2222.

The Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service from Swindon Woman's Aid also provides a 24-hour helpline that is always answered by a trained advisor, day and night, every day of the year. They can be reached on 01793 610 610.