What should have been nights filled with music, laughter, and celebration in Manchester’s vibrant Gay Village turned into horrific ordeals for several individuals — all at the hands of one man who preyed on the vulnerable.
A disturbing case has now come to light, leaving the community shaken and seeking justice.
Sid Ali Djelid, a 48-year-old Algerian national, has been found guilty of a series of violent and predatory sexual assaults committed in and around Canal Street, one of the UK’s most iconic LGBTQ+ nightlife districts.
Targeting the Vulnerable and Isolated
The court heard how Djelid methodically sought out people who were intoxicated, alone, and disoriented — individuals he viewed as “easy prey.” His attacks weren’t impulsive or random.
Prosecutors described them as calculated and insidious.
Over the span of several months last year, he raped one woman and two men in separate attacks — each time choosing people who had either been denied entry to venues or were wandering alone in the early hours.
Horrific Pattern of Abuse Unfolds
Djelid’s first known victim was a woman who had gone out alone and later became separated from other partygoers.
CCTV captured him walking with her before he forced her into a car, drove her to a secluded spot, and raped her twice.
Her memory of the incident was hazy, but she clearly recalled the pain, shouting for help, and later discovering her phone had been stolen.
Not long after, a man visiting from Scotland for a work event was similarly attacked.
He had been standing outside a bar for a smoke when Djelid approached and led him through the streets under the pretense of helping him.
Once in an alleyway, he was raped twice and robbed of his belongings — including a gold necklace passed down from his late grandmother.
In a third case, another man visiting from the East Midlands was offered help to find his hotel.
Instead, he was led to a canal towpath, pushed against a wall, and raped. His wallet and iPhone were also taken.
Chilling Evidence Ties Djelid to the Crimes
Each attack followed a hauntingly similar pattern — and eventually, the evidence began to build. CCTV footage placed Djelid at multiple scenes. DNA matched him to the assaults.
Victims described a man of Middle Eastern or Asian appearance, and police tracked stolen phones to Cheetham Hill — the very area where Djelid lived.
What ultimately led to his arrest was a tip from nightclub security staff, who recognised him from police appeals and spotted him back in the Village just days after his final attack.
He was wearing the same T-shirt seen in the CCTV from the most recent case.
Convictions and Courtroom Outcome
After a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, the jury convicted Djelid of five rapes and multiple thefts.
They deliberated for nearly 30 hours before reaching a verdict.
Although he was cleared of a few other charges due to insufficient evidence, the weight of the convictions was undeniable.
Djelid showed no emotion as the verdicts were read.
He admitted to stealing from all three victims but denied any non-consensual sexual activity — claims that were rejected by the jury.
What Comes Next for Djelid
Djelid has now been remanded in custody, and sentencing has been scheduled for October 6.
The judge has ordered a full report on whether Djelid should be classified as a “dangerous offender,” which would impact the length and conditions of his sentence.
Authorities are also reviewing his immigration status and considering deportation after he serves his time.
A Scar on a Historic Nightlife District
The crimes struck a chilling chord, not just for the brutality involved but because they happened in such a beloved part of Manchester — a place that has long been a symbol of freedom and celebration, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.
Rebekah Tomlinson, a senior prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, said:
“Canal Street is more than just a nightlife area — it holds cultural and historical importance.
People should be able to enjoy nights out without fearing predators like Djelid.”
A City’s Police Force Responds
Detective Inspector Paul Davies from Greater Manchester Police added that such “predatory behaviour has no place” in the city and promised that justice would continue to be pursued.
The police have now launched an appeal, asking anyone else who might have been targeted by Djelid to come forward.
“All reports made to us will be fully investigated,” said DI Davies.
“Specialist officers will be there to support you through the entire process.”
Echoes of a Dark History
This case also draws haunting comparisons to that of Reynhard Sinaga — the UK’s most prolific rapist — who operated in the very same area a decade earlier.
Sinaga was convicted in 2020 of 159 sexual offences, with authorities believing he may have had over 200 victims.
That Djelid chose to strike in the same district has added to the sense of urgency around ensuring safety and justice in the area.
The Fight for Justice and Healing Continues
While the court has spoken and a predator is behind bars, the process of healing for victims and the wider community is just beginning.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or suspicions about Djelid to come forward — no matter how small the detail.
Because in places like Manchester’s Gay Village, every person has the right to feel safe, respected, and free from fear.