Predator Off the Streets: Samuel Gebru Sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court
The community of Aigburth can breathe a collective sigh of relief today, though the scars of a terrifying night in July remain. Samuel Gebru, a 22-year-old man from Toxteth, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Monday, December 8, where he was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. His sentencing brings a legal conclusion to a night of predatory behavior that shattered the sense of safety for two young women and sent ripples of fear through one of Liverpool’s most popular neighborhoods. Gebru, who had previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of common assault, stood in the dock as the details of his “dangerous” actions were read out, confirming his status as a threat from which the public now needs protection.
Stalked in the Shadows: Two Women Targeted in One Night
The court heard chilling details of how Gebru prowled the streets of Aigburth on the night of July 28 and the early hours of July 29, targeting lone women under the cover of darkness. The first incident occurred around 10:35 pm, when a woman in her 20s noticed she was being followed along Aigburth Road. Gebru trailed her up Lark Lane—a busy hub of social activity—turning a familiar walk home into a nightmare. Near Sefton Grove, he grabbed her by the arm, only fleeing when challenged and when patrons from The Albert pub emerged.
Tragically, his night of terror did not end there. Less than two hours later, around 12:20 am, Gebru targeted a second woman in her 20s. He followed her from Aigburth Road before launching a sexual assault in the street. It was only the intervention of alert residents, who heard the disturbance, that caused him to flee the scene. The calculated nature of these attacks—following, watching, and waiting for the moment to strike—highlights a predatory mindset that has left the community deeply shaken. The realization that such danger lurked on familiar streets is a heartbreak that many residents, particularly women, are now forced to grapple with.
“Traumatic Ordeals”: Justice Served for Aigburth Victims
Detective Inspector Natalie Charlesworth described the events as “traumatic ordeals” for the victims, praising their strength and patience throughout the investigation. While the sentence of three years and four months ensures Gebru is removed from society, the psychological impact on the women he targeted will last far longer. Today’s outcome at Liverpool Crown Court is a victory for justice, but it is also a stark reminder of the violence women face simply by existing in public spaces. As Gebru begins his prison term, the focus shifts to the healing of the survivors. Their bravery in coming forward has ensured that this predator can no longer harm others, and for that, the entire city of Liverpool owes them a debt of gratitude.