“Hero Hamzah”: Saudi student praised by UK court for stopping rape attempt

• Saudi student Hamzah Albar was formally commended by a UK court for his "extraordinary courage" after he intervened to thwart an attempted rape in Sunderland.
• Albar tackled and restrained the 42-year-old attacker until police arrived, despite being punched, leading to the attacker's conviction for attempted rape and multiple assaults.

23-year-old Saudi student Hamzah Albar has been commended by Newcastle Crown Court for thwarting an attempted rape in Sunderland, UK, on December 30, 2024.

Albar, who was walking to a local Tesco supermarket late that evening, intervened when he heard a woman's screams, preventing what could have been a fatal assault.

The attack occurred around 10:30 PM in the Monkwearmouth area, where 42-year-old Ian Hudson, of no fixed abode, ambushed a woman at a bus stop.

Hudson assaulted her from behind, covering her mouth, strangling her, and attempting to rape her. The victim fought back fiercely for several minutes, later stating in court that she believed Hudson would have killed her without intervention.

Albar, whose phone battery was low and without earbuds, heard the commotion and initially tried to call police, but the call cut off.

He then crossed the street, shouted at Hudson to stop, and chased him when the attacker fled. Despite being punched in the face, Albar tackled and pinned Hudson down, restraining him until two passersby called authorities. Hudson hurled racial insults during the struggle.

Following his arrest, Hudson exposed himself in custody and assaulted a police officer. A jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him guilty of attempted rape, sexual assault, non-fatal strangulation, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault.

He had previously admitted to exposure and assaulting a constable.

In November, Recorder David Gordon sentenced Hudson to nine years in prison, with an additional five years on extended license as a dangerous offender.

He must register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order. Detective Constable Hayley McIntosh described the offenses as "truly horrific."

The judge formally praised Albar for his "extraordinary courage and public-spiritedness," noting that he intervened without hesitation, risked his safety, and ensured Hudson's swift capture.

Albar, reflecting in a police interview, called the event "divine timing" and emphasized the victim's resilience. He later met the survivor, who expressed her gratitude.

The case has sparked positive reactions on social media, with users hailing Albar as "Hero Hamzah”.