RAPED - AT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Charlie Gilbert, 27, was dragged away by a predator

- CANDICE FERNANDEZ, VERONIQUE HAWKSWORTH

Piling into a photo booth with my colleagues, I rummaged in the fancy-dress box before pulling out a silly hat and sunglasses.

'Cheese!' I grinned, as we all posed for photos.

It was January 2023, and we were at a belated Christmas work party at the bar where I was employed as a supervisor.

I loved my job but it felt good to have some fun.

As the music boomed, I went outside to smoke a cigarette. A short man with a brown mohawk was nearby, vaping.

He looked familiar and we exchanged smiles, but I didn't know his name.

Rejoining my colleagues, indoors, I didn't see him again. At around 10pm, I suggested going somewhere else. "The night is still young," I laughed, as a group of us headed to another bar.

We spent the rest of the evening dancing and when I next checked my phone it was 3:30am.

Setting off home, where I lived with my mum, stepdad and younger brother, it was only as I wobbled along the pavement that I realised how drunk I was.

I called my mum and stepdad to see if they'd collect me, but they were obviously asleep and didn't pick up.

PARALYSED WITH FEAR

I staggered along deserted streets hoping to get a cab, but as I neared a taxi rank, suddenly two strong arms grabbed me from behind.

Panic coursed through me and I kicked and screamed, trying to fight him off, but I had no chance of escaping as the man dragged me into a side street.

He threw me to the ground, smacking my head on the concrete and my vision blurred, as he pulled up my dress and ripped down my pants.