Canal Street rapist who ‘lay in wait’ found guilty of sex attacks

A man who preyed on people in the Canal Street area of Manchester, known as the ‘gay village’, has been found guilty of raping two men and one woman in a series of attacks.

Mourad Malki, 48, also known as Sid Ali Djelid, appeared to lie in wait and choose victims carefully, before subjecting them to a brutal sexual assault and then fleeing with their possessions. None of the victims were known to him.

Rebekah Tomlinson, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Malki is a serial sex offender who posed serious danger to both men and women – carrying out his horrifying crimes in one of the most celebrated and historic nightlife hotspots in the country.

“The way he targeted lone individuals who he believed would be vulnerable was both calculating and insidious. Having raped his victims, he also stole their property before he fled.

“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.

“Malki’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.”

Senior Investigating Officer Paul Davies from Greater Manchester Police’s 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.

“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.

“All reports made to us will be fully investigated and specialist officers will be on hand to support you through the investigation.”

Mourad Malki was found guilty of five rape offences, all of which occurred between 17 February and 18 July 2024.

Malki attacked his victims swiftly, giving them no opportunity to escape. He chose people who were vulnerable because they had been enjoying a night out, having consumed alcohol, and were isolated from others.

He offered to help one man find his hotel, positioning himself as the good Samaritan, when in fact he was anything but.

Malki stole all the victim’s phones and other valuables. In some cases, he attempted to purchase items using the victim’s bank cards.

CCTV was recovered from locations close to some of the attacks showing Malki befriending some of the victims and leading them to a secluded area.

Malki was identified from a combination of CCTV and forensic evidence.

He was arrested on 21 July 2024 and made no comment during his police interview.

He went on to plead not guilty to the sexual offences but pleaded guilty four counts of theft and one count of fraud, forcing his victims to face trial.

On 24 July 2025, following a trial at Manchester Crown Court, he was convicted of five counts of rape against two men and one woman.

He will be sentenced at a later date.