The chilling ordeal of a young woman nearly abducted in broad daylight outside one of Liverpool’s busiest train stations has sparked public concern and renewed discussions on women’s safety in public spaces. The perpetrator, Osman Moalem, 25, of Brookdale, Widnes, has now been sentenced to 27 months in prison after being found guilty of attempted kidnap.
The incident, captured on CCTV, shocked viewers and drew national attention for its audacity and the disturbing calmness displayed by the assailant. On 28 October 2024, a 19-year-old female student found herself the target of a terrifying encounter while waiting for friends outside Liverpool Lime Street Station.
What began as a seemingly ordinary day turned into a moment that could have ended in tragedy, had it not been for the quick intervention of bystanders and the swift response of station security and the British Transport Police. The case has since become emblematic of the challenges that women and young people face while navigating public spaces, even in locations considered relatively safe and monitored.
A Chilling Attempt in Broad Daylight
The attempted kidnapping unfolded in the middle of the day, near one of the most trafficked locations in Liverpool. The 19-year-old student had arrived early at Lime Street Station and was waiting outside the entrance for her friends. It was a routine stop for her and thousands of others who pass through the station each day. However, what followed was anything but routine.
CCTV footage presented in court showed Moalem approaching the victim and saying something that she didn’t understand. Taken aback, she instinctively stepped back, a move that may have saved her from more immediate harm. Moalem initially turned away, but then, in a sudden and brazen move, turned back toward the student and attempted to grab and drag her away.
What shocked many, including court attendees and the public who later saw the footage, was Osman Moalem’s demeanor—he appeared to smirk as he pulled at the girl. His actions were deliberate, calculated, and lacking any fear of consequences. Even when confronted by an elderly couple, who bravely intervened and threatened to call the police, Moalem continued his attempts to take the girl, showing blatant disregard for witnesses or potential repercussions.
Osman Moalem, an immigrant, attempted to kidnap a teenage girl outside Liverpool Lime Street Station. He was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison. After serving his sentence, he was not deported. Deport him Now pic.twitter.com/8hRLDS9AIn
— The Subtitle Guy (@thesubtitleguy) June 13, 2025
Fortunately, station security personnel were already monitoring the area and noticed the suspicious activity. They promptly contacted British Transport Police, who arrived at the scene and arrested Osman Moalem within minutes. The victim was shaken but unharmed, thanks largely to the intervention of passersby and the vigilance of the security staff.
Courtroom Drama and Sentencing
The trial of Osman Moalem at Liverpool Crown Court was a closely watched affair. Moalem pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnap, but the evidence stacked against him—most notably the CCTV footage—left little room for doubt. During the proceedings, the court heard testimonies from the victim, the elderly couple who intervened, and security officers who had been monitoring the station.
The victim, whose name has been withheld for legal and privacy reasons, provided a statement describing the fear and confusion she felt during the encounter. She spoke of the long-term psychological impact the incident has had on her, including anxiety and fear about being alone in public spaces. Her testimony was described as powerful and deeply emotional.
The prosecution emphasized that this was not a misunderstanding or a social miscue—it was a deliberate attempt to abduct a vulnerable young woman in a public setting. The judge agreed, noting the “sheer brazenness” of the act and Moalem’s disturbing demeanor throughout the episode.
Ultimately, Osman Moalem was sentenced to 27 months in prison. While some have criticized the sentence as being too lenient for such a serious crime, others have highlighted the importance of the conviction itself as a deterrent and a signal that such behavior will not go unpunished.
The judge remarked during sentencing that Moalem showed no remorse for his actions and that his expression during the attack demonstrated an alarming lack of empathy. The court further ordered that he be placed under strict supervision upon release, including potential restrictions on approaching transportation hubs and vulnerable individuals.
Wider Implications and Public Response
The case has stirred a significant public response in Liverpool and beyond. Discussions around public safety, especially for women and young adults, have intensified following the incident. For many, the attempted kidnapping was a sobering reminder that even places with high foot traffic and surveillance are not immune to such threats.
Women’s safety advocacy groups have called for greater investment in public safety infrastructure, including better lighting, more visible security personnel, and educational campaigns aimed at preventing harassment and assault. Several petitions have emerged online demanding stronger sentences for attempted kidnapping and related offenses.
Social media platforms were flooded with support for the victim and admiration for the elderly couple who stepped in during the attack. Their bravery has been hailed as an example of the crucial role that ordinary citizens can play in protecting one another. Many have pointed out that their intervention likely saved the student from a far worse fate.
In response to the public outcry, Liverpool Lime Street Station authorities have promised to review and enhance their security protocols. A spokesperson for British Transport Police stated that they would be increasing patrols in high-traffic areas and working more closely with station staff to identify and respond to suspicious behavior.
Experts in criminal psychology have weighed in on the case, pointing out that Osman Moalem’s boldness and apparent lack of concern for being caught suggest a disturbing mindset. They’ve noted that such perpetrators often test boundaries in public before escalating to more dangerous crimes. Thus, intervening early, as in this case, is critical.
In an interview with a local news outlet, one of the elderly bystanders recounted how instinct took over when he saw the young woman in distress. “You don’t think, you just act,” he said. “I would hope someone would do the same for my daughter or granddaughter.”
The victim, though traumatized, has expressed gratitude to those who helped her and the officers who responded quickly. In a statement read outside the court by a family member, she said, “I’m thankful to be safe today, and I hope my experience will remind others to stay alert and support each other in public spaces.”
As this case fades from the daily news cycle, it leaves behind a lasting reminder of both the threats that persist in everyday life and the power of collective vigilance. The conviction of Osman Moalem represents a small but significant victory in the broader battle for public safety and justice. It also underscores the importance of community action and the role of bystanders in preventing crimes.
While Liverpool Lime Street Station may return to its usual rhythm, the events of 28 October 2024 will remain a poignant reminder of the dangers that can unfold in an instant—and the strength found in standing together to confront them.