Rochdale man, 24, found guilty of raping woman in Manchester city centre

A 24-year-old man from Rochdale has been found guilty of raping a woman in Manchester city centre in May 2021.

Juan Quinones and Brian Jalo, 25, of Salford, raped a woman in an alleyway near Piccadilly Gardens on 16 May 2021.

During the evening of 15 May, Jalo and Quinones approached the woman and her friend on a bench at Piccadilly Gardens, struck up a conversation and they exchanged Instagram contact details.

The following evening the woman returned to her hotel after an evening out drinking with her friend. A short while later she walked back outside alone.

Jalo and Quinones – who were near an alleyway off Piccadilly Gardens – both raped the woman in the alleyway.

Following the six-minute ordeal, the woman, who was visibly distressed, made her way back to her hotel. Her mobile phone was missing and has never been recovered.

The woman contacted police and was taken to St Marys Centre where Jalo and Quinones’ DNA was found on her.

Following a CCTV appeal ,the two men were identified and police arrested Jalo and Quinones on 19 May.

In police interview, Jalo claimed both himself and Quinones had had consensual sex with the woman. Quinones gave a no comment interview.

The pair were found guilty of rape on Thursday (19 October). A third man was acquitted of sexual assault and aiding and abetting the rape.

Ruby McKeague, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the North West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit said: “Brian Peter Jalo and Juan Quinones clearly pose a significant danger to woman. They acted together to lure a woman to a secluded area in order to rape her.

“They have shown no remorse and put the woman through the further ordeal of making her re-live what happened to her by giving evidence at a trial. Today, after careful consideration of the evidence we presented to the jury, including CCTV evidence, they have found them guilty.

“I would like to thank the woman for supporting the prosecution of this case which has helped us bring these men to justice for their despicable actions.”

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Help and support

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.