Latest Offenders London

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Maxwells attorneys had pushed for leniency after 60-year-old was convicted in US in December of five of the six charges she faced Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced on Tuesday to 20 years in prison in her New York sex-trafficking case for procuring teen girls for Jeffrey Epstein for him to abuse. Maxwell, 60, has maintained her innocence. Epstein, a convicted sex offender and financier whose elite associates once included Prince Andrew and Bill Clinton, was captured by federal authorities in July 2019, on sex-trafficking counts. He killed himself in a New York City federal jail just over one month after his arrest. Maxwells attorneys had pushed for leniency in sentencing, saying that she should receive well below the 20 years recommended by federal probation officials. Prosecutors pushed for a sentence of 30 to 55 years in prison. Maxwell, a former British socialite, was convicted on 29 December of five of the six charges she faced. The jury came to their decision after 40 hours of deliberations spanning six days. In addition to sex trafficking, Maxwell was convicted of conspiracy to entice individuals under the age of 17 to travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, conspiracy to transport individuals under the age of 17 to travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity; transportation of an individual under the age of 17 with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity; and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of individuals under the age of 18. Maxwell was escorted into the courtroom in ankle shackles and throughout the three-hour proceeding, had an unsettled demeanor. She repeatedly touched her hair, sometimes tucking it behind her ears, scratched her neck and sipped water throughout the proceeding. The former media heiress wore drab gray-blue jail scrubs, and a white undershirt. She turned to look at her three siblings who were seated behind her in court Isabel, Christine, and Kevin multiple times. But Maxwell did not offer much in the way of an apology for her actions. When Maxwell stood at a Plexiglass-enclosed lectern to speak, she said: I empathize deeply with all of the victims in this case. I also acknowledge that I have been convicted of helping Jeffrey Epstein commit these crimes, said Maxwell, whose statement marked the first time she has publicly addressed these allegations. And despite the many helpful and positive things I have done in my life and will continue to do I know that my association with Epstein and this case will forever and permanently stain me. Maxwell attempted to pin the blame on Epstein. Jeffrey Epstein should have been here before all of you, he should have stood before you all those years ago, he should have stood before you in 2005, again in 2009, and again in 2019, Maxwell continued, adding shortly thereafter, I am sorry for the pain that you experienced There were four accusers in the trial: Jane, Kate and Carolyn, who did not use their full names during proceedings, as well as Annie Farmer. Jane said that she was 14 in 1994 when Epstein began to sexually abuse her and that sometimes Maxwell was present when he did so. Sometimes, Maxwell participated in this abuse, Jane testified. There were hands everywhere, Jane said of an incident with Epstein and Maxwell. This abuse also took place when she was 15 and 16. Kate said that she first met Maxwell in Paris around 1994, at 17. Maxwell asked Kate to tea at her London townhouse shortly thereafter, and then introduced the teen to Epstein at a subsequent meeting. A few weeks later, Maxwell telephoned Kate, and told her: Jeffrey was meant to get a massage but the massage therapist had canceled. Could I do her a favor and come over because I had strong hands. Kate told jurors that Maxwell led her upstairs, where Epstein was in a robe. Maxwell shut the door, leaving Kate alone with Epstein. He initiated sexual contact with Kate. She saw him several times annually over the next few years. Carolyn testified that she fell into Maxwell and Epsteins abusive world around the early 2000s, when she was 14, at his Palm Beach mansion. Carolyn said she traveled to Epsteins house over 100 times between ages 14 and 18, and recalled a physical encounter with Maxwell while getting a massage table ready. I was getting fully nude, and she came in and felt my boobs and my hips and my buttocks and said that I had a great body for Mr Epstein and his friends. She just said that I had a good body type, Carolyn testified. Farmer testified that Maxwell gave her a nude massage when she was aged just 16 at Epsteins sprawling New Mexico estate. She met Epstein in late 1995, when she went to visit her sister, Maria, in New York City. Maria was an artistic painter for Epstein. Maxwells case was thrown into potential disarray shortly after the verdict. One of the jurors, Scotty David, gave interviews after the trial where he talked about experiencing sexual abuse as a child. David said that he told his fellow panelists about this so that they could see facts from a victims point of view. These statements spurred questions, as potential jurors were queried about any history of abuse during the selection process. The questionnaire for prospective jurors asked: Have you or a friend ever been the victim of sexual harassment, sexual abuse or sexual assault? The prosecution and defense both asked Judge Alison Nathan to investigate; Maxwells lawyers asked for a new trial, claiming David should never have sat on the jury. Nathan called David to testify publicly on 8 March about this omission. David claimed that he was distracted while rushing through the questionnaire, calling his omission an honest mistake. Nathan rejected Maxwells request for a new trial based on Davids error, saying she thought his answer was truthful and would not have been stricken for cause even if he had answered each question on the questionnaire accurately.

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A LONDON man sexually assaulted a train passenger aged just 16 after she refused to give him her number.

William Roberts, of London Road, Thornton Heath, was locked up at Reading Crown Court last week after being convicted of sexual assault.

The 28-year-old will now have to sign the sex offenders register for ten years following his offending.

This comes after an incident in the evening of December 9, 2020, when the 16-year-old victim was travelling on a train from Oxford to Princes Risborough.

Roberts, who was in the same train as the woman, approached her and began repeatedly asking for her phone number.

When the girl refused to give Roberts her number, saying she was not interested and she was only 16-years-old, the London man sexually assaulted her.

He got up and walked down the carriage, but then he returned to her seat and put his arms out as if to block her from leaving.

Roberts then attempted to sexually assault the victim again before the girl pushed him away and escaped.

The 28-year-old was arrested at his home on January 6, 2020, when he told police officers he was only engaging in friendly conversation.

BTP Detective Constable James Egley said: Its clear from Roberts persistent actions that he is a danger to women and girls, and Im pleased to see him off the network and behind bars.

This was a truly distressing incident for the victim who has shown immense bravery coming forward and giving an account of what happened to her.

No one should be made to feel threatened whilst travelling on the network and we are actively taking serious action against sexual offenders.

I urge anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment or a sexual offence on the railway to report it to BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. We will always take you seriously.

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Australian sitcom actor Robert Hughes will be freed from jail and deported to the UK after serving a sentence for child sexual abuse. Hughes found fame for his lead role in Australian TV show Hey Dad! which aired in more than 20 countries from 1987. In 2014 he was convicted of a string of child sexual offences - which he denied - against girls in the 1980s and 1990s. The 73-year-old was granted parole by Australian authorities on Thursday. Having renounced his Australian citizenship, the British national will be deported to the UK, where he will live with his wife, upon his release from prison. Hughes has been eligible for parole for more than two years but has twice been denied freedom over concerns about his risk to the community. He and his family deny his crimes but, since his last bid for parole, have promised he will seek psychological treatment when released and that he will have no unsupervised contact with children. UK authorities, who have been informed of his impending release and deportation, have also since confirmed he will be monitored. That - and a psychological assessment that Hughes has a below average risk of offending - was enough to satisfy parole authorities his risk to the community could be managed. He will be released no later than 14 June. 'Systemic, predatory behaviour' Hughes's 2014 trial heard evidence of sexual misconduct which had spanned 20 years. He was convicted of 10 child sexual assault offences against girls aged between seven and 15. He abused his position of trust and exploited the naivety and youth of the children, Judge Peter Zahra said in sentencing at the time. ''The offender engaged in a systematic pattern of sexual abuse upon young girls over a number of years,'' he said. ''His conduct was brazen... he engaged in predatory behaviour.'' On Thursday, parole judge David Frearson acknowledged the decision would be hard for the actor's victims. "It is clear that the profound and deleterious effects on the victims continue to this day and will probably be lifelong consequences," he said. "It must be particularly galling for the victims to observe the offender's continued and obstinate denials in the face of compelling and overwhelming evidence from multiple witnesses." Hey Dad! was hugely popular in Australia and ran for eight seasons until 1994.

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A man has been convicted of multiple sexual offences against a young child.

Simon John Hayden-Reno, 28, was convicted after a trial at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, May 25 of one count of rape of a girl under 13.

Hayden-Reno, of Cudham Drive in New Addington, had previously pleaded guilty to 13 further sexual offences.

These are:

• Three counts of assault a girl under 13 by penetration;
• Six counts of making an indecent photograph of a child;
• Three counts of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity;
• One count of assault of a girl under 13 by touching.

He was found not guilty of a second count of rape of a girl under 13.

He will be sentenced later in the year on a date to be arranged.

The offences took place from 2017 to 2018 mainly at a residential premises in New Addington.

Hayden-Reno was known to his victim, but not related to her, and took advantage of any time that he was alone with her.

On October 4, 2018 the victim, who was under ten-years-old, told her mum what had been happening and this was reported to police.

An immediate investigation began by detectives from the South Area Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Hayden-Reno was arrested on Sunday, October 7, 2018 and interviewed, but he denied the allegation.

The young victim was supported by specialist officers and other professional agencies who supported her and her family.

The young age and vulnerability of the victim meant that police had to conduct a rigorous investigation to carefully amass the necessary evidence.

Numerous statements were taken and it was during a forensic search of Hayden – Reno’s phone that the indecent images of children were uncovered.

On Wednesday, May 5, Hayden-Reno was charged with the offences.

Detective Constable Heidi Lee, the investigating officer, said: “Firstly I want to pay tribute to the very young victim and her family.

"It took a great deal of courage for this child to come forward and talk about the abuse she had suffered.

"But thanks to her, and her family’s bravery, this man has been convicted.

"I would like to encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual crime to come forward and speak to police; they will be supported and their voice too can be heard.

“As for Hayden-Reno he has vilely taken advantage of his proximity to a very young girl to exploit her.

"He is a sexual predator and I am glad he has been convicted, he now faces a very long time in prison and it is thoroughly deserved.”

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A vile former pub landlord who travelled to Manchester from London to carry out a string of sexual offences on young girls has been put behind bars. Predatory Carl Marland was jailed for 21 years after Manchester Crown Court heard how he groomed and then sexually assaulted four girls. He was jailed for a long list of more than 20 crimes including rape of a child under 13 and sexual activity with children. Following his sentencing on Tuesday (24 May) Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said Marland had stolen the childhoods of his victims and paid tribute to their bravery. What has Carl Marland been jailed for? Marland, 58, was found guilty at trial of the following offences: - Causing a child to watch a sexual act - Five cases of sexual assault of a child under 13 - Three counts of rape of a child under 13 - Assault of a child by penetration - Two counts of voyeurism - Two cases of making indecent images of a child - Three counts of sexual activity with a child - Engaging with sexual communication with a child - Two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity - Three counts of supplying class B drugs - Supplying class C drug. What happened in court? Manchester Crown Court heard how Marland would travel to Manchester from London, where he ran a pub, most weeks from June 2020 to December 2020 to visit the girls and their families to carry out his attacks. He would groom the girls, who were aged between eight and 16, giving them gifts of clothes and money as well as drugs and alcohol. Marland set up a bank account for one of the girls and transferred around 3,000 to her, and would drive the girls around in his car, where much of the abuse took place. He also secretly filmed one of the girls as she undressed. Police became aware of Marland when one of the girls mothers found inappropriate messages from him on her phone in November 2020. Detectives from GMP Rochdales child sexual exploitation team worked closely with officers from the Metropolitan Police to co-ordinate Marlands arrest on 27 January 2021.

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A man who sexually abused two young boys at a scout group in Islington where he volunteered as a helper has been jailed.

Ian Barker, 61 (27.03.56) of Queen’s Head Street, N1, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment at Blackfriars Crown Court today, Thursday 16 November.

He pleaded guilty at the same court on the third day of his trial on Wednesday, 15 November to one count of indecent assault with penetration on a boy aged under 14, one count of indecent assault on a boy aged under 14, and four counts of indecency with children – after Victim 1 gave evidence.

Barker volunteered to assist a scout troupe as a venture scout in Islington in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Both victims attended this troupe.

In 2015, Victim 1 reported to the police that Barker had sexually assaulted him when he was a scout at the troupe between 1979 and 1981, up to the age of 13.

While the victim was a scout, Barker had paid ‘special attention’ to him and singled him out for attention on the pretence that he was coaching him for specialist scout skills. However, this usually resulted in the victim being sexually assaulted by Barker.

Barker was arrested in May 2015 and denied the allegations when he was interviewed.

Following a lengthy investigation, involving extensive historic records checks and engagement with witnesses, a second victim who attended the same scout troupe was identified.

 

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One of the offences was reported to police in 2020 and a police investigation led to several other victims coming forward. A Bermondsey man who subjected six young girls to horrific sexual abuse has been found guilty of several offences spanning nearly twenty years. Robert Pearce, 54, was convicted of 23 offences at a trial at Croydon Crown Court that finished yesterday (Tuesday, April 12). Pearce abused six victims between the ages of seven and sixteen, over an eighteen-year period from 1999 and 2017. His convictions included five charges of rape and twelve of indecent assault. Police said he also used his position as a leader in a live action roleplay group to groom and abuse young girls who attended the events. PC Helen French, who led the investigation, said: Pearce took complete advantage of these young girls and his actions have undoubtedly had a significant impact on all of their lives. I want to commend their courage and bravery in speaking to police and providing the evidence which has proved vital to his conviction. I hope this prosecution shows that we take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously, no matter how much time has passed. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such abuse to come forward and speak to us we have specialist officers who will listen and support you. One of the offences was reported to police in 2020 and a police investigation led to several other victims coming forward. Pearce will be sentenced on June 20.

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A man who raped and sexually assaulted a woman while filming his crimes with a phone has been jailed. Hubert Greliak was caught after his victim reported sexual assault and theft in Ealing, West London, in January 2020. Officers arrested the 33-year-old and seized his phone, though he refused to reveal its pin code. A hard drive was analysed and found to contain evidence of a rape of the victim, and later Greliak was charged. He was bailed but breached his bail conditions but the Met managed to track him down and attach an electronic tag to him. Greliak was found guilty of rape and assault by penetration at Isleworth Crown Court in January having already admitted to theft and failure to comply when asked to reveal his phone's PIN. He was jailed for 18 years and will need to serve 13-and-a-half of that behind bars, and the rest on licence. Detective Inspector Julian Crabb, from the Met's West Area Command Unit Safeguarding Team, said: "We are absolutely committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls and are dedicated to achieving criminal justice outcomes for victim-survivors as we have in this case. "The victim bravely went through the ordeal of a trial and thanks to both her compelling evidence and the work of the investigation team, we were able to put this man behind bars for a long time. "Greliak is a dangerous and manipulative individual. He has showed no remorse or guilt for his disturbing and destructive actions. I sincerely hope the victim can begin to achieve closure and focus on the future. "Investigations into rape and sexual assault are often complex, and I am pleased the investigating officers' actions were commended by HH Judge Hammerton. I hope this gives survivors of sexual violence the confidence to come forward and report to police."

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A man has been found guilty of a string of sex attacks on women from around the Camden area.

Following a six-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court, jurors determined that Francis Mukendi, of Finsbury Park Road, had committed offences against six women across a period spanning just over two years.

The 27-year-old was convicted of four counts of rape, three counts of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault and four counts of possession of a bladed article yesterday (March 22).

He will be sentenced at a date to be confirmed.

The court heard Mukendi's attacks - which took place from 21 September, 2017 until 16 December, 2019 - followed a similar pattern.

He followed each of his victims late at night when they were alone, and would strike when they reached their doorsteps or communal stairwells.

While distracted when getting their keys out, Mukendi would approach them from behind with a weapon on one occasion with a hammer and on others with a knife.

Once he had finished, or was interrupted, he would run away.

Following the first attack, detectives from Central North BCU launched an investigation - though a breakthrough was not reached until a CCTV image of the defendant was released in December 2020.

On seeing his own image, Mukendi handed himself into police the following day.

A search of his home address uncovered clothing which matched that seen being worn in the captured CCTV.

The predator's laptop - from which he unsuccessfully tried to delete video footage of the first attack - was also seized and examined by forensic experts.

A zombie knife and a lock knife believed to be used in the attacks were also recovered.

Det Con Stacey Smith, of Central North BCU said: Mukendi is an extremely dangerous offender who targeted these women as they walked home alone in the dark.

"He waited for the most opportune of moments before making his attacks. His actions have left these women traumatised by what has happened to them."

The officer urged any further victims to come forward; either by speaking directly with police - quoting reference CAD1639/21MAR22 - or by contacting the force through a third party support group.

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A sexual predator has avoided immediate jail time after pleading guilty to a series of "vile" offences targeting lone women.

Abdul Nadher Kayum committed the acts in the Bow area over four weeks during 2021, from August 31 to September 28.

On each occasion, 19-year-old Kayum - who wore a mask during all the incidents - cycled up behind a woman before either exposing himself or sexually assaulting her.

He was reported to have masturbated during four of the incidents, either while cycling past the victim or hiding in a door entrance or a dark space, such as a lane.

Kayum also reportedly asked a number of victims to sexually pleasure him for money.

When the victim ran away, he would follow them for a substantial period of time, police said.

Det Con Janina Parol, from the Mets Central East basic command unit, said: "Kayum carried out vile sexual offences against women as they unassumingly went about their day-to-day business.

"He targeted lone women and instilled unnecessary fear in a community for a number of weeks.

"The Met is absolutely committed to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault, and to making women and girls feel safe in London.

"Our teams stop at nothing to investigate reports of sexual offences and to provide support to victims."

Police appealed to the public for information last October and Kayum came forward shortly after that and was charged.

On December 10, he pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault, five counts of indecent exposure and one count of outraging public decency.

Kayum was handed an 18-month jail term - suspended for two years - at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday, March 16).

The defendant was further issued with a sexual harm prevention order for five years, which prohibits him from approaching or communicating by words or gesture with any lone female in any street, footway or green space.

Kayum, of no fixed address, was also placed on the sexual offences register for 10 years.

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Pictured here for the first time is a depraved cocaine-addicted killer who strangled his grandmother to death before having sex with her corpse.

Donovan Miller choked 76-year-old Phyllis Grant and beat her over the head with a vase at her home in Kent Street, Plaistow, east London.

The 31-year-old killer then had sex with her body twice, before admitting his horrifying acts to paramedics, telling them 'I raped her'.

Ms Grant was a regular churchgoer who neighbours described as a 'matriarch of the community' and a 'lovely' woman.

She had been released from hospital after recovering from Covid prior to her killing in March last year.

Donovan Miller choked 76-year-old Phyllis Grant and beat her over the head with a vase at her home in Kent Street, Plaistow, east London. Ms Grant was a regular churchgoer who neighbours described as a 'matriarch of the community' and a 'lovely' woman

The Old Bailey heard how police arrived at Ms Grant's address after 10pm on March 25 last year after Miller called police saying he had killed his grandmother the previous night.

He told paramedic the night of his arrest: 'I raped her as well for what it's worth, yesterday and today.'

Miller later confirmed he had sex with his grandmother's corpse after she had died.

He also told police he was dependent on cocaine but that he had no mental health issues.

Miller, also of Kent Street, Plaistow, appeared in court via video link from the John Howard Centre secure psychiatric unit.

He denied murder but admitted manslaughter and sexual penetration of a corpse.

The Crown Prosecution Service accepted the plea in light of the conclusions of three psychiatrists.

Miller is now due to be sentenced next month. Though Donovan faces a prison term, he could also be sentenced to a hospital order under guidelines for diminished responsibility.

Hospital orders are used if a medical practitioner suggests that an offender suffered from a mental disorder at the time of the offence and the court considers that a hospital order may be an appropriate way of dealing with the case.

Speaking about the plea, prosecutor Caroline Carberry QC said: 'Careful consideration has been given in advance of today to the acceptability of a plea and in light of the conclusions of three forensic psychiatric consultants, the Crown's position is that this is a proper approach to take in this case.'

Judge Anthony Leonard, QC, said: 'So on the basis of diminished responsibility as we used to call it.'

Adjourning sentence until March 28 while further psychiatric reports are prepared the judge told Miller: 'The fact you pleaded guilty today will be taken into account by the sentencing judge.'

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A masked sex attacker who targeted two lone women was tracked down due to the Boris bike he rode off on. Christion Wright, 28, dragged his first victim, a paramedic, into the bushes at St Jamess Park in a terrifying ordeal at around midnight on 29 January last year. Three days after the attack in central London, he pulled his trousers down and molested a second woman on a train. He was jailed last month, but police have now revealed details of how they caught him. Detectives pieced together CCTV evidence showing him cycle away from the first attack. He was then seen to dock the hired Santander bike in Lower Marsh on the Southbank. Wright was then linked to the train assault by his DNA. Catherine Milsom, prosecuting, had told Southwark Crown Court that the first victim had just finished a shift with the NHS and then went into the park. She walked around the lake and up towards Buckingham Palace when she noticed a man nearby wearing a face mask and hoodie. Something about him made her very suspicious, Ms Milson said. Concerned, the victim changed her direction but then spotted Wright hiding behind some trees and clearly following her. She thought he wanted to rob her and offered him her mobile phone. He didnt take and instead said I just want to f**k you, said Ms Milsom. Wright dragged the struggling woman up to some bushes and sexually assaulted her. The woman bit his hand and he then made off on a Santander hire bike. Three days later, Wright pulled his trousers on a train and molested a teenager, 19, on the trip between Waterloo East and Greenhithe in Kent. She had been sitting alone watching YouTube videos on her phone when the defendant came and stood behind her. When she stood to get off and turned round, she found the defendant with his trousers down, Ms Milsom said. The Crown would say he is dangerous. Wright, of Southwark, admitted two counts of sexual assault relating to the first victim and sexual assault and exposure for the train attack. He was jailed for three years and eight months last month and was also placed in the sex offenders register for life. Referrring to the attack on the paramedic, Judge Andrew Goymer said: It is sufficient to say he followed the victim into St Jamess Park, she was subjected to considerable force and feared, for good reason, she was going to be raped. Both are very unpleasant assaults and very distressing to the victims and nobody suggests anything other than a sentence of imprisonment of some substance. Detective Constable Henh Ban Song said: My colleagues and I are using all legitimate methods at our disposal to identify and convict those who commit crimes against women in the capital. In this case, Met officers based at Charing Cross police station used technologies including the CCTV network, financial instrument analysis and DNA matching to identify and convict the offender. Women and girls in London are safer for our hard work and tenacity. Det Con Song also appealed for any other victims of the predator to come forward, adding: In my view, Wrights offending may have escalated quickly and alarmingly had he not been caught so soon after the offence in St Jamess Park.

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A former Islington Council caretaker has been jailed for 20 years for raping a woman at knifepoint, after breaking into her home.

Corbett, 26, of Rotherfield Street, East Canonbury, pleaded guilty in November to four counts of rape and stealing a mobile phone.

At a sentencing hearing today, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard the victim had "never felt so frightened in all her life" when Corbett broke into her house on October 8 last year.

Prosecutor Grace Yu-Ong described how she "woke up suddenly to see him kneeling down on the floor and looking over her in bed".

The victim's young daughter was present in the property at the time of the attack.

Following the attack, Corbett stole a mobile phone and a set of keys to the house, and as he was leaving he was said to have threatened the victim on the staircase with the knife, telling her: "If you say anything I'll come back. I'll hurt you. I'll kill you."

In a police interview, Corbett claimed he was not at the scene, however a forensic examination confirmed his fingerprints at the address.

In a statement, the victim described how her own life and her family's lives have been turned upside down since the attack.

She said talking about what happened makes her whole body shake.

"I have never felt fear like it and I will never forget it," she said, adding: "It's affected my relationships. I don't want to go out. I find it hard to trust people. I find myself questioning people's motives."

Addressing Corbett, Judge Martyn Zeidman QC, said: "I am hoping that you can see for yourself that you have behaved in an extraordinarily cruel manner, and you did so knowing that children were present.

"That's quite something.

"The victim has told us she never felt so frightened in her life, and the reality is whatever sentence I impose upon you, you have imposed a worse sentence on the family of the victim."

Cheers could be heard from the public gallery as Corbett sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment.

Judge Zeidman continued: This is not a single act of rape. It is four rapes, each one with its own pain and discomfort.

"One can never put the clock back.

"For me the overwhelming aggravating feature is this was done at a time when the defendant knew there were children on the premises.

"Their lives have been greatly affected by what the defendant has done."

The judge explained that he had read several character witnesses from Corbett's family and acquaintances, which testified to his previous good character – but had decided the case was so "unbelievably bad" that it deserved such a long sentence.

"They say it's out of character and he's a good natured caring person," he said.

"One witness says 'I don't believe he's a threat to society'. Another says: 'I don't believe he's capable of it'.

"But the fact is that he is and we know he is."

Corbett was also given a lifelong restraining order and a 25 year sexual harm prevention order, which will apply when he is released from prison.

Detective Constable Max Orange, the investigating officer, said: "Corbett is a dangerous offender who carried out an awful attack on a defenceless woman. I am pleased our investigation has resulted in him being taken off the streets and that he will no longer pose a risk to other women.

"I would like to praise the bravery of the victim in this case who continues to deal with the impact of what happened to her and I hope today's significant sentence does allow her some closure."

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A sexual predator who wanted to emulate serial rapist Joseph McCann when he attacked a string of women on the streets of east London has been jailed for 20 years.

Abdallah Baballah, 26, targeted women as they walked home alone at night, threatening to stab the victims as he carried out violent sexual assaults and stole their possessions.

When he was captured by the Met Police, officers discovered Baballah had looked online at news articles about his attack and even downloaded CCTV footage which had been released in a bid to catch him.

His phone also revealed internet searches for Joseph McCann, who had carried out rapes and sexual assaults on 11 women and children just a couple of months before Baballahs crimes.

At Snaresbrook crown court on Thursday, Baballah was jailed for 20 years and will spend an extra five years on licence when released from prison.

Baballah is an extremely dangerous offender who targeted these women as they walked home alone in the dark, said Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, of the Mets Specialist Crime Command.

He waited for the most opportune of moments before making his attack and his actions have left these women traumatised by what happened to them.

"I would like to thank them for coming forward and supporting the police investigation, and for providing crucial evidence which led to this conviction and has ensured Baballah cannot subject anyone else to such horrific attacks.

Baballah, a former Barking and Dagenham College ESOL student, carried out the attacks over the course of 11 days in July 2019, targeting the first victim when she stepped off the N15 night bus in Plaistow at 2.30am.

After following her down the street, he told the woman: Give me your phone or I will stab you and then dragged her to a secluded spot where she was raped three times.

Baballah then stole cash from her wallet, but handed back the victims phone complete with a thumb print which helped police to identify him.

The second victim had just left Leyton underground station at 3am on July 6, 2019, when Baballah grabbed hold of her and stole her phone. He demanded she perform oral sex on him, but the woman managed to get away.

An hour later, Baballah attacked another woman in Leyton, sexually assaulting and raping her, punching the victim in the face and stealing her phone and ring.

At around 3am on July 8, 2019, he struck again on a woman getting off the N15 bus in Dagenham, chasing her down the road while demanding she hand over her phone.

The final victim was attacked in East Ham on July 11, 2019, when she was dragged into a side road by Baballah who pinned her down and started punching her.

The woman managed to break free and sought help from a nearby resident, while Baballah stole her bag and phone.

Baballah was carrying one of the victims phones when he was arrested on July 25, and was linked to the crimes by his Oyster card use.

His phone records revealed searches for man raped two women in east London and rape rule in Britain.

The Sudanese national, of no fixed address, admitted rape, attempted rape, two charges of robbery, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was convicted after a trial of three further rape charges, three robberies, sexual assault, attempted rape, and making a threat to kill.

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A registered sex offender has been jailed after police found indecent images of children on his tablet.

James Bainbridge, 26, of Hartslock Drive, Bexley, was sentenced to three years imprisonment at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday, January 27.

He pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order, one count of distributing an indecent image of a child and one count of making an indecent image of a child.

Bainbridge was previously given a two-year suspended prison sentence in October 2020 after he attempted to meet a teenage girl he had been speaking to online.

As part of the sentence, he was also given an order which restricted his use of technology and stopped him from having unsupervised access to children.

On July 6, 2021, officers from a specialist unit responsible for monitoring registered sex offenders in Bexley were made aware of suspicious activity on a tablet belonging to Bainbridge.

They visited his home and found evidence that Bainbridge had breached his sexual harm prevention order. He was arrested and the device was seized.

A forensic examination revealed Bainbridge had used the tablet to view indecent images of children as young as 10.

Police Constable Jemma Morgan, from the Mets South East Jigsaw Unit, said: Bainbridge was being closely monitored by officers due to previous offending and it was through this monitoring that this offending came to light.

This type of crime is completely unacceptable and we take strong action when we receive reports of this nature, to protect children and young people from harm.