Rapist Jailed: Leeds Travelodge Attack 2026 

Key Points

• Rashid Boachie, aged 44, has been jailed for 15 years and six months after being convicted of rape and sexual assault against two vulnerable women in Leeds.
• In one incident in August 2025, Boachie targeted an intoxicated woman who had lost contact with her friends, leading her to an alleyway behind a Travelodge hotel where he sexually assaulted her; a hotel staff member intervened after hearing her shouts.
• The victim recorded a short video message during the assault, pleading “help me,” which aided the investigation.
• In a separate 2021 incident in Beeston, Boachie raped a woman who mistakenly believed he was a taxi driver and entered his vehicle.
• Boachie was arrested on 14 August following a public appeal, with DNA evidence linking him to both crimes.
• He was convicted on 19 February at Leeds Crown Court and sentenced on Wednesday, receiving an extended sentence.
• Detective Inspector Jodie Hayes of West Yorkshire Police described Boachie as a “perilous sexual offender” who specifically targeted “heavily intoxicated, vulnerable women.”
• Police believe Boachie may have committed other unreported offences.
• A judge praised a bystander’s intervention in the 2025 assault.
• Coverage appears across multiple outlets including ITV News, BBC News, West Yorkshire Police statements, Garforth Today, and Yorkshire Evening Post, with no direct link to a separate case involving Siyabonga Dunga.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) April 3, 2026 – A predatory rapist who targeted vulnerable women during nights out in Leeds has been sentenced to over 15 years in prison following convictions for rape and sexual assault, as reported across multiple sources including ITV News and BBC News.

Who is Rashid Boachie and What Crimes Was He Convicted Of?

Rashid Boachie, 44, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault against two women in separate incidents in Leeds. As detailed by BBC News, Boachie was convicted on 19 February at Leeds Crown Court. He received a prison term of 15 years and six months, forming part of an extended sentence, with sentencing handed down on Wednesday.

ITV News reported that Boachie specifically preyed on lone women, with CCTV footage capturing him approaching one victim during a night out. West Yorkshire Police confirmed his guilt in sexual offences against two women, emphasising the predatory nature of his actions.

What Happened in the Travelodge Hotel Assault?

In August 2025, Boachie targeted a heavily intoxicated woman who had become separated from her friends during a night out in Leeds. According to ITV News, he led her to an alleyway behind a Travelodge hotel, where he sexually assaulted her.

The victim shouted for help, alerting a hotel staff member who intervened and stopped the attack.

As reported by ITV News, during the incident, the woman recorded a short video message in which she could be heard saying “help me.” BBC News corroborated this, noting the assault’s location and the bystander’s crucial role, with the judge praising the staff member’s actions during court proceedings.

The Garforth Today article, titled

“Rapist jailed for attacking woman in Leeds Travelodge hotel,”

highlights this as the key incident, aligning with details from other sources.[ from initial query]

What Was the 2021 Beeston Incident?

In 2021, Boachie raped a woman in Beeston after she mistakenly believed he was a taxi driver and entered his vehicle. BBC News detailed that this assault occurred when the victim was vulnerable during a night out. DNA evidence collected after his later arrest linked him directly to this crime.

As stated by Detective Inspector Jodie Hayes of West Yorkshire Police in BBC coverage, Boachie “specifically targeted heavily intoxicated, vulnerable women who had become distanced from their friends” in both incidents.

How Was Boachie Caught and Convicted?

Boachie was apprehended following a public appeal for information after the 2025 assault. ITV News and BBC News both reported his arrest on 14 August, when DNA samples were taken that connected him to the 2021 rape. He was convicted of both rape and sexual assault on 19 February at Leeds Crown Court.

The judge at Leeds Crown Court imposed the extended sentence, reflecting the severity of his offences as a “dangerous” offender.

What Have Police and the Court Said?

Detective Inspector Jodie Hayes of West Yorkshire Police commented prior to sentencing, as quoted in BBC News:

“In both incidents, Boachie specifically targeted heavily intoxicated, vulnerable women who had become distanced from their friends. He is a perilous sexual offender who will hopefully remain incarcerated for an extended period.”

ITV News added that police believe Boachie

“may have committed crimes against other women,”

urging potential victims to come forward. Det Insp Hayes echoed concerns about unreported offences in West Yorkshire Police’s official statement.

The judge praised the hotel staff member’s intervention, as noted in BBC News coverage of the court proceedings.

Which Media Outlets Covered the Story?

The story has been widely reported in British media. Garforth Today led with

“Rapist jailed for attacking woman in Leeds Travelodge hotel,”

focusing on the hotel assault.[ from initial query] Yorkshire Evening Post shared a post on X stating “Rapist jailed for attacking woman in Leeds Travelodge hotel,” garnering attention on social media.

ITV News published

“Rapist who attacked ‘intoxicated, vulnerable’ women jailed”

on 26 March 2026, detailing CCTV and the video plea. BBC News ran “Rapist who targeted lone women in Leeds jailed” on the same date, covering both incidents and police quotes.

West Yorkshire Police issued

“Man Jailed for Rape and Sexual Assault of Women in Leeds,”

confirming the conviction. No details from a separate BBC article on Siyabonga Dunga, jailed for an unrelated hotel attack in 2023, were conflated here.

Why Does This Case Matter for Public Safety?

This sentencing underscores the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals during nights out in Leeds, with Boachie’s pattern of targeting intoxicated lone women raising alarms. As Det Insp Jodie Hayes noted in ITV News, police suspect further offences may exist, potentially preventing future crimes through public awareness.

The bystander’s role highlights community intervention’s impact, as praised by the judge per BBC News. West Yorkshire Police’s appeal process demonstrates effective policing in linking historical cases via DNA.

What Are the Broader Implications for Leeds?

Leeds has seen multiple high-profile sexual assault cases, prompting calls for vigilance. Boachie’s extended sentence aims to protect the public, aligning with judicial trends for dangerous offenders.

Coverage by local outlets like Garforth Today and Yorkshire Evening Post ensures community awareness, potentially aiding unreported victims.[initial query web]

Victim Impact and Justice Served

While victim identities remain protected, their bravery in reporting enabled justice. The 2025 victim’s video evidence was pivotal, as per ITV News. Convictions in both cases provide closure, though police continue investigating possible links to other assaults.